Giant mermaid tail sculptures created for art trail

The trail includes more than 40 sculptures

An art trail featuring giant mermaid tail sculptures is to be launched in Dorset.

The Great Tail Trail, which will include more than 40 sculptures across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole landmarks, will officially open in April 2025.

The colourful sculptures, which are 1.8m (6ft) high, will help raise funds for Julia’s House children’s hospice charity.

Dorset artist Stuart Semple said to be able contribute his art to the trail “means the world to me".

Dorset artist Stuart Semple said his tail would be the "pinkest pink in the world"

The first sculpture will be on display as part of the launch on 21 March.

Laura Maidment, of Julia’s House, said: “We’ve especially chosen the mermaid tail sculpture as we have a mermaid suite at our Dorset hospice.

"It felt important to connect the trail directly to our care.”

Each of the sculptures will be sponsored by local businesses and given its own unique design.

Sponsors include Organix, Norco and Bournemouth Water.

Nikki Barry, sustainability manager for Organix, said: “The Great Tail Trail will bring colour, vibrancy and excitement - inspiring families to spend time outside together in our beautiful area.”

Mermaid tails will be on display across the county in landmark places

Mr Semple said: “I really wanted to capture the imagination and excitement of childhood in my mermaids' tails.”

Leader of BCP Council, Vikki Slade, said the trail would “create a wonderful tourist attraction”.

“Having visited them [Julia's House] on several occasions I know first-hand the inspirational work that they do to support seriously ill children and their families,” she said.

At the end of the free, family-friendly trail the sculptures will be brought together and be auctioned to raise funds for Julia’s House.

The trail will launch in April 2025 across Dorset