New Wild in Art trail announced for Ipswich 2022

Following the success of Pigs Gone Wild and Elmer’s Big Parade, St Elizabeth Hospice has announced it will be hosting a third art trail in Ipswich next year.

Created in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, the art project will see around 40 ornately decorated sculptures, featuring designs celebrating all things Suffolk scattered throughout Ipswich showcasing the wealth of artistic talent of the county and beyond.

The chosen sculpture remains a carefully guarded secret for now, but they will land in Ipswich in June 2022 to form an art trail for visitors and locals alike to enjoy throughout the summer. While also helping to raise awareness and vital funds for St Elizabeth Hospice which improves life for people in Suffolk living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.

The project has already been many months in the planning and now the momentum is growing with the hospice calling on local businesses and organisations to consider getting involved with sponsoring a sculpture or lending other practical support.

Hannah Bloom, Director of Income Generation, at St Elizabeth Hospice said: “After a difficult year, with the ongoing pandemic, we are delighted to announce the launch of our third art trail which will bring colour and positivity for the whole town to look forward to.

“The public really loved our previous art trails, Elmer’s Big Parade and Pigs Gone Wild, and we hope they will enjoy the event in 2022 just as much and help make it an even bigger success for the hospice.

“The chosen sculpture remains a secret but I am confident that when it is revealed, people will agree it is a great choice, so watch this space for more details!”

With Elmer’s Big Parade raising more than £260,000 for the hospice, through supporting fundraising activities and an auction held at Ipswich Corn Exchange, St Elizabeth Hospice is keen to make the 2022 art trail an even bigger success.

Ipswich Borough Councillor Sarah Barber said: “As the Portfolio Holder for the Town Centre, I am delighted at the prospect of a new art trail for Ipswich. Over 390,000 people engaged with Elmer’s Big Parade and most visitors spent extra time and money enjoying our county town.

“Ipswich Borough Council is very appreciative of the Hospice’s vital work and will be an active supporter of this new trail – as we were with Elmer and Pigs Gone Wild. This announcement is great news – particularly at a time when the local economy really needs a boost and things to look forward to.”

As well as the 40 large sculptures there will be more than 60 smaller figures created as part of the education project which will engage with young people and schools throughout Ipswich and the surrounding area.

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art said: “We are very excited to be working with St Elizabeth Hospice once again. This new art trail will bring businesses, the creative sector and communities together to celebrate all that is Ipswich as well as highlighting the important work of St Elizabeth Hospice. We are looking forward to getting started.”

St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent Suffolk charity providing free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life limiting illness throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

Centered on an individual’s needs, the hospice provides specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice.

To register interest in Wild in Art 2022 please visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/ipswich-art-trail-2022/.