Great Tail Trail begins in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this weekend

This weekend, visitors to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will have the chance to follow the UK’s first ever mermaid tail sculpture trail,

Julia’s House Children’s Hospice’s Great Tail Trail, which runs from 5 April to 1 June, brings 45 giant-sized mermaid tails and 43 Tiny Tails to the coastline, parks and local landmarks of the BCP conurbation.

Each of the giant mermaid tails is unique, designed by local, national and international artists. 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. 

All of the sculptures have been sponsored by businesses large and small.

“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.”