The Great Tail Trail

The Great Tail Trail

The UK’s first ever mermaid tail sculpture trail, The Great Tail Trail, opens this weekend (5 April) throughout Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), just in time for the Easter break!

A Fin-tastic Spectacle
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.

Tail-Art
Each of the giant mermaid tail sculptures 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.

It Takes a Whole Community
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.”

Don’t Miss the Tiny Tails
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.

Save the Date!
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.