500 designs submitted for BCP Mermaid Tail Trail
45 sculptures will go up next year for Julia's House children's hospice
Nearly 500 designs have been submitted to adorn giant mermaid tail sculptures that'll go up around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole next year.
The Great Tail Trail will eventually include 45 statues, with the project in aid of Dorset children's hospice Julia's House.
Local businesses who've sponsored a tail will now get the chance to choose their favourite design, for the artists to create their vision.
The sculptures will go on display next Spring (5th April to 1st June 2025).
Once the trail is over, the tails will be brought together under one roof at the Bournemouth International Centre in June for a grand farewell weekend.
The one-of-a-kind artworks will then be auctioned off to raise money for Julia’s House.
The charity receives just 8% of its funding from the Government, to care for some of the most seriously ill children in Dorset while providing practical, emotional and respite support to their families.
Their dedicated nurses offer end-of-life care in the Mermaid Suite at the Julia's House hospice in Dorset, which provides the inspiration for the sculptures on The Great Tail Trail.
Julia’s House has partnered with Wild in Art, to create the Great Tail Trail - their Art and Learning Manager, Annie Laughrin, said:
“We’ve received some absolutely incredible designs and it was really difficult to create our shortlist because the standard and quality of the artwork was so high. When we make our selection we’re looking to include a range of artistic styles and mediums, local references, originality and bright, colourful, family friendly designs that will make The Great Tail Trail a really fun and exciting art experience.
"We’re looking at what will appeal to sponsors, and ultimately, a design that people would love to own as lasting memory of the trail, which will help the whole event raise vital funds for Julia’s House.”
Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager for Julia’s House was equally impressed:
“We’ve received designs from artists all over the UK, but it was especially exciting to see so many wonderful designs from local artists, many of which made the final selection. We’ve had to make some really difficult decisions, of course, but we’re delighted with our shortlist. We can’t wait to see which designs catch the eyes of our sponsors at the selection event and go on to feature on the trail next spring!
“We’ve still got a few sponsor places available, including headline sponsorship opportunities and we’d love local businesses to get in touch. It’s going to be a huge event in BCP next year, so you won’t want to miss out!”