From 5 April until 1 June, 45 giant sized mermaid tails and 43 Tiny Tails will be bringing a splash of colour and creativity to our coastline, parks and local landmarks in this free, family-friendly art trail, brought to BCP by Julia’s House children’s hospice and Wild in Art. It’s a great opportunity to be a tourist in your own town, get outside, get active and see some amazing art.
Each of the giant mermaid tails is unique, specially designed by local, national and international artists. From magical and mysterious underwater scenes and beautiful stained-glass mermaids to fun beach days and rolling Dorset hills – the designs reflect the beautiful surroundings and experience of living and visiting our stunning local coastline and countryside.
In styles including pop art, diamond dust and sparkling gemstones, the trail features pirates, seagulls, ice creams, puffins, sea creatures, night skies, cows and even a tiger! There’s something for everyone.
All of the sculptures have been generously sponsored by businesses large and small, who have helped to bring the trail to life for the local community and to support a local charity – proceeds from the trail will be helping Julia’s House continue to provide its vital care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
“We are beyond excited to be about to launch our Great Tail Trail,” says Laura Maidment, Julia’s House Public Fundraising Manager. “We have been planning the trail for over a year, talking to artists, local businesses, schools and groups and have just been overwhelmed by the support and response we’ve received. We want to say a big thank you to the local community who have enabled us to bring the mermaid tails to BCP.
“We hope everyone has lots of fun on the trail. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends, get outside and get some exercise – a few of us are even running it if anyone wants to join us? It really is something for everyone. And importantly for us, it is raising vital funds to help us continue to provide our care, now and in the future. Our costs are continuing to rise and Government funding remains limited, so we absolutely rely on the generosity and support of the public and local community to keep on caring. Thank you to everyone who has, is and will be supporting us by visiting the trail. You are helping us help the children and families that need us the most.”
Jon Workman, Chief Executive Officer for BH Live, says, “It’s been fantastic to work with Julia’s House Children’s Hospice as the official Community Partner for the Great Tail Trail. We’re so excited for everyone to see the two fantastic pieces created by community artists, which BH Live has sponsored and to host sculptures designed by local schools and community groups across our centres.
“The trail is a fantastic opportunity to support a local charity, while discovering key landmarks and locations across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. We invite everyone to attend the Farewell Weekend at Bournemouth International Centre this summer, so they can see the amazing sculptures all in one place.”
Local schools, youth and community groups will be taking part in The Great Tail Trail, too. Nearly 40 schools joined the trail’s Learning Programme to design and paint their very own Tiny Tail sculpture, which will be displayed in indoor locations including libraries, selected BH Live leisure venues and Julia’s House charity shops in Creekmoor, Poole, Wallisdown, Christchurch and Westbourne. The Julia’s House shops will also have trail maps and while you’re there you can grab some sea-themed goodies, including ‘paint your own mermaid tail’ kits to create your very own tail-art!
Download The Great Tail Trail app from the App Store or Google Play to make the most of your trail experience (available from 5 April):
track your progress
collect sculptures
unlock rewards from sponsors and boost donations to Julia’s House
count your steps
vote for your favourite sculpture
share your selfies
Whether you’re looking for something different to do at the weekend, are local to the area or a visitor, The Great Tail Trail is a fin-tastic way to experience the sights and sounds of BCP and take in some mer-mazing views across the beautiful Dorset coastline. You will also be helping local seriously ill children and families who rely on Julia’s House for vital care and support.
No app? No Problem! You can pick up a paper map from these locations:
Julia’s House Charity Shops
Creekmoor
Poole
Westbourne
Christchurch
Wallisdown
Weymouth
BH Live Leisure Centres
Littledown
Sir David English
Pelhams
Bournemouth Highcliffe Marriott Hotel
Grab yours and start your adventure! You can also follow the Great Trail Trail Facebook Page for all the latest updates.
At the end of the trail, you will have a final chance to see all of the sculptures under one roof for the very last time at a fun family Farewell Weekend on 14-15 June (10.30am-4pm) at Bournemouth International Centre.
The unique giant-sized sculptures will then be sold at a Grand Auction in aid of Julia’s House on 20 June at The Italian Villa, Compton Acres.
Julia’s House is the local charity dedicated to supporting the families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions in the heart of the community in Dorset and Wiltshire. Many of these children require round-the-clock care, which has a huge impact on family life. Julia’s House provides specialist care that’s individualised for each family and includes care for the seriously ill child, family support, emergency and end of life care. Find out more on juliashouse.org.
Wild in Art is the leading producer of spectacular public art events that entertain, enrich, inform and leave a lasting legacy. It brings together businesses and creative sectors with schools and local communities through the creation of uniquely painted sculptures. Find out more at wildinart.co.uk.
*Press release from Julia’s House.
