It’s one of the events of the year in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), The Great Tail Trail has everyone out and about spotting the giant mermaid tails on this mer-mazing sculpture trail, helping to raise awareness and vital funds for local children’s hospice, Julia’s House. And all the giant mermaid tails and 43 Tiny Tails, designed by local schools and community groups, will gather together one last time for a spectacular shell-ebration at The Great Tail Trail Farewell Weekend on 14 & 15 June.

Tail-art

Each of the giant mermaid tails is unique, specially designed by local, national and international artists. From magical and mysterious underwater scenes and beautiful stained-glass mermaids to fun beach days and rolling Dorset hills – the designs reflect the beautiful surroundings and experience of living and visiting our stunning local coastline and countryside. 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! There’s something for everyone and it’s a great opportunity to be a tourist in your own town, get outside, get active and see some amazing art.

All the sculptures have been generously sponsored by businesses large and small, who have helped to bring the trail to life for the local community and support Julia’s House in providing its vital care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families across Dorset and Wiltshire.

The giant mermaid tails will be sold as unique pieces of art and as a lasting and striking legacy of the trail at a Grand Auction on 20 June at the Italian Villa, Compton Acres, with all proceeds going to Julia’s House.

Laura Maidment, Julia’s House Public Fundraising Manager, says: “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. There 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.”

Jon Workman, Chief Executive Officer for BH Live, says: “It’s been fantastic to work with Julia’s House children’s hospice as the official Community Partner for The Great Tail Trail. We’re so excited for everyone to see the two fantastic pieces created by community artists, which BH Live has sponsored and to host sculptures designed by local schools and community groups across our centres.

“The trail is a fantastic opportunity to support a local charity, while discovering key landmarks and locations across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. We invite everyone to attend the Farewell Weekend at Bournemouth International Centre this summer, so they can see the amazing sculptures all in one place.”

Book tickets online by midnight on Friday, 13th June 2025 and save 20%

www.greattailtrail.co.uk/weekend