The UK’s first ever mermaid tail sculpture trail, The Great Tail Trail, opens this weekend across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The ‘fin-tastic’ spectacle from 5 April until 1 June features 45 giant sized mermaid tails and 43 Tiny Tails.
Organisers say it will bring a splash of colour and creativity to the coastline, parks and local landmarks in a free, family-friendly art trail.
It’s brought to the area by Julia’s House children’s hospice and Wild in Art.
Each of the giant mermaid tails is unique, specially designed by local, national and international artists with the trail featuring pirates, seagulls, ice creams, puffins, sea creatures, night skies, cows and even a tiger.
All of the sculptures have been sponsored by businesses large and small.
It’s hoped around £200,000 will be raised for Julia’s House.
Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager, said: “We are beyond excited to be about to launch our Great Tail Trail.
“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.”
Jon Workman, Chief Executive Officer for BH Live, said: “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.”
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.
At the end of the trail, there’s a final chance to see all of the sculptures under one roof for the 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.