w/c 28th June 2021
A spectacular public art event launched yesterday throughout Southend-on-Sea. Lasting for ten weeks, the ‘Hares About Town’ trail brought to you by our charity of the year, Havens Hospices, will be hosted in collaboration with Wild in Art, as sculptural hares are to be placed throughout the town. Each hare has been lovingly designed by different artists and sponsored by a Southend-based business, making this a project that’s particularly close to our hearts at Southend BID.
‘Hares About Town’ has been created to inspire locals and tourists alike, celebrating everything that makes Southend-on-Sea unique. When the trail ends in mid-September, , many of the sculptures will be auctioned to raise vital funds for Havens Hospices, a local palliative nursing and care charity. This event is set to be engaging and playful, demonstrating Southend-on-Sea’s ongoing resilience and determination.
As an official sponsor of ‘Hares About Town’, we are honoured to be supporting such a powerful and positive event. Southend-on-Sea is known be a creative and artistic corner of Essex; it’s a joy to see this being utilised in a charitable and community-driven way. Through utilising the exceptional talents of local artists, bringing together nearby businesses and enjoying the message behind this art, Southend-on-Sea is proving that after an incredibly difficult couple of years, we still stand together and support one another whole-heartedly.
We are also delighted to note that over 40 schools, colleges and community groups from across Southend have been invited to join ‘Hares About Town’, designing their own small hare sculpture with reference to a specific, educational topic, including environmental issues, citizenship and wellbeing to name just a few. Meanwhile, trail volunteers, appropriately named ‘volunt-hares’, will act as friendly and inspiring guides throughout the course of the project, engaging with visitors whilst ensuring the hares are protected and cared for.
The entire team at Southend BID are excited to see this inspiring event unfold; our Street Rangers will also be on hand to help with the trail, whilst we will encourage every Southend-on-Sea local to enjoy this wonderful event personally, spreading its message throughout the town.
For more information about ‘Hares About Town’ and to find out how to donate to Havens Hospices, visit www.haresabouttown.co.uk.