Organisers say they’re delighted at the public response to the Great Tail Trail across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
45 giant mermaid tails – and 43 smaller ‘Tiny Tails’ – can be found in popular locations across the region until the 1st of June.
They’ve been created by local artists, schools and community groups and will raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospice when they’re auctioned off.
The charity’s Laura Maidment and Caroline Attreed have toured the trail, visiting each sculpture and highlighting the stories behind them.
Speaking about a tail on Boscombe Beach, Caroline told Bournemouth One: “Children were there and they all had a go at actually putting their handprints on or making some little drawings.
“They also wrote down some inspirational quotes – one reads ‘Why do my dreams have to stay in my dreams?’”
Another especially poignant sculpture, called For Dexter, is on display at Poole’s Lighthouse.
It was created by a school in memory of a student they lost, designed in a way they felt he would have liked.
The trail’s large sculptures can be found outdoors while the smaller ones are displayed in indoor public spaces and local businesses.
- Pictures by William Croft.
