Coming this summer, a free, family art trail will be winging its way into Southend-on-Sea.
Waddle-on-Sea – created by Havens Hospices and Wild in Art – will see more than 30 large penguin sculptures dotted around the city from 11th July-3rd September, each sponsored by a local business and painted by a professional artist in varying styles.
Alongside these will be ‘mini huddles’ of baby penguins, adopted and decorated by a school or community group, making art accessible to all.
Visitors can plan their ‘ice’ day out and navigate the route using the Waddle-on-Sea app and collect rewards along the way. A map will also be available, which can be purchased from the local Havens Hospices Charity Shops in Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea.
At the end of the trail, the penguins will be sold at auction, raising money for Havens Hospices, which care for babies, children, young people and adults across Essex.
Penguins were chosen for this year’s project art trail because their care and compassion perfectly symbolise Havens Hospices’ values and Care Teams who work tirelessly to make every day count for every patient and their families. Just like a huddle of penguins, the hospices offer a calm and friendly space where the people they care for and their families can receive the support they need throughout their life’s journey.
One penguin has already been decorated to give a flavour of what’s to come. Essex artist Neil Fendell has created ‘Sunny Southpole-on-Sea’ as an homage to the city’s iconic seafront against a magical icy wonderland.
Asked why he decided to get involved again with the charity’s art trail, Neil says, “It is an honour to be invited to participate in another art trail for Havens Hospices. I believe these public art events are a fantastic way to bring our community together.
“My artwork aims to bring joy and a sense of wonder, reflecting the warmth and care that Havens Hospices provides to the community.”
Vanessa Harvey, Project Manager for Havens Hospices, said: “We are so proud to bring our parade of penguins to nestle amongst Southend-on-Sea’s iconic attractions, bringing colour and fun to the city.
“Waddle-on-Sea will offer everyone a great day out, exploring parts of the city they may not have visited before, as well as raise thousands of pounds for the free, specialist hospice care Havens Hospices provides for local adults, children, and their families.”
Waddle-on-Sea follows the success of the charity’s ‘Hares About Town’ trail in 2021 and Herd In The City in 2023, which have raised more than £1 million for local hospice care.
The Waddle-on-Sea app will be available from the App Store and Google Play from the start of July. To keep up with the herd and to post your ‘penguin poses’ from the trail, visit www.waddleonsea.co.uk or follow on social media – @waddleonsea on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Waddle-on-Sea is made possible thanks to Presenting Partner Ipeco. The Official Event Partners include BTMK Solicitors, Revive.Digital, Able Group and Highview. Rickard Luckin is the Learning and Community Programme Partner, Atlantic Pacific is the Logistics Partner, Echo Newspaper is the Media Partner, BBC Essex is the Radio Partner, Main Media is the Videography Partner, and 6rs is the Creative Partner, which has produced the brand for the project. Southend-on-Sea City Council is also supporting the event.