THE much-anticipated Stampede by the Sea art trail has officially launched, bringing nearly 60 beautifully decorated elephant sculptures to Burton Bradstock, West Bay, Bridport, and Lyme Regis.
The vibrant installation aims to raise awareness and funds for Weldmar Hospicecare while encouraging conversations around grief and family bereavement.
The press launch took place at The Old Salthouse in West Bay, attended by local dignitaries including mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Philip Evans MBE, and Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Anne Rickard.
Addressing the ‘Elephant in the Room’:
At the event, Weldmar Hospicecare's chief operating officer Matt Smith highlighted the importance of the trail in fostering discussions about loss and bereavement.
He emphasised the vital role of the hospice’s school outreach programme, which educates and supports younger generations through these difficult topics.
He said: "The art trail is a wonderful way to address the ‘elephant in the room’ when it comes to grief. We hope that by engaging with this interactive experience, people of all ages can feel more comfortable discussing bereavement and the support available."
Charlie Longthorne, managing director and founder of Wild in Art, encouraged the public following the trail to donate to the charity.
He said: “If everybody following the trail donated just £1, imagine how much that would raise. Buy something from the merchandise shop in West Bay. Whatever you do, just support this project."
Lyme Regis Welcomes the Elephants:
The installation team, led by Gloria McCartney, worked tirelessly to bring the sculptures to life across the locations.
Reflecting on the installation in Lyme Regis, Gloria praised the support of Lyme Regis Town Council.
She said: "Installing in Lyme Regis was a breeze. The town council has been so supportive and helpful. It was amazing to wake up and see the elephants in the sunshine."
Special Elephants to Look Out For:
Among the standout sculptures in Lyme Regis is the ‘Hero’ sculpture, ‘Waves of Emotion’, designed by Dorset artist Anissa Lee, who is also part of the Marketing and Communications team at Weldmar Hospicecare.
Anissa collaborated with attendees of Weldmar’s Wellbeing Support Sessions, which include patients, carers, and bereaved loved ones, to create a meaningful design that embodies the emotions tied to loss and remembrance.
April Whitehead, from Weldmar Hospicecare, said: "This sculpture is truly special. It represents the shared experiences of those who have come together to support one another through grief.
“Another highly anticipated sculpture is the ‘Crawley’ elephant. Created by artist Jina Gelder, Crawley features the Downton Abbey family on one side and the downstairs servants on the other as a nod to the different dynamics between the two worlds.”
Jina chose to paint some of the show’s most iconic characters and quotes alongside the beauty of Highclere Castle and hopes it will encourage people to remember their favourite moments in the show.
Downton Abbey was created by Lord Julian Fellowes, who has regularly supported the work of Weldmar Hospicecare.
Jina hopes the popularity of the show will encourage Downton lovers to donate to the charity, drawing interest from the fans.
Crawley is in the Lister Gardens and overlooks the dramatic backdrop of Lyme Bay, in a stunning location.
A Community Effort:
The trail installation began late on Thursday 27 March, with the first sculpture placed in Burton Bradstock shortly before 7pm.
The team worked throughout the night, completing the installations in Lyme Regis by 3am on Friday 28 March.
Lyme Regis Town Council has supported this project, helping to house several elephants in the town’s gardens and along the seafront.
The external works team assisted in finding ideal locations, ensuring the installation process was seamless.
To fully enjoy the Stampede by the Sea experience, visitors are encouraged to read the plaques, download the trail’s interactive app, and explore each sculpture’s story.
As the Easter holidays approach, the trail offers a perfect family-friendly activity for both locals and visitors.
The app can be downloaded here.
The Weldmar Hospicecare team hopes this initiative will not only bring joy but also spark important conversations about grief, bereavement, and the work of hospice care in local communities.
With its vibrant artistry and meaningful mission, Stampede by the Sea is set to leave a lasting impact on the community.
For more information, visit Stampede by the Sea or follow the journey on social media using #StampedeByTheSea.
* "Waves of Emotion" by Anissa Lee.
* "Crawley" by Jina Gelder.