As part of Waddle-on-Sea – created by Havens Hospices and Wild in Art – 31 large penguin sculptures will be joined by 72 baby sculptures dotted throughout the city, including Leigh-on-Sea, from Friday 11 July to Wednesday 3 September.
Whilst some of the baby penguins have been designed and painted by artists, which will be auctioned, the majority of the baby penguins are part of the Learning & Community Programme. Sponsored by Rickard Luckin, the programme enables children, young people, and community groups to experiment with various art forms, empowering them to take ownership and showcase their artwork to thousands of people, making art accessible to all before they waddle home to their creators as a lasting legacy of the trail.
The preview event, held for everyone involved in the Learning & Community Programme, saw people of all ages enjoying the brrrilliant art created by the local community, including schools, youth groups and a care home.
Holt Farm Junior School in Rochford became involved in Waddle-on-Sea after the School Council decided to fundraise and introduce something creative to the school. Pupils submitted penguin designs, and the School Council selected elements from five entries to create one final design that reflects the school’s values, creativity and diversity. Named ‘Beakon’ after being chosen by the whole school, the penguin features bold hand-painted patches, a golden sticker, and even wears the school uniform, making it truly unique to Holt Farm.
Speaking about the experience, teachers Miss Cohen and Miss Gibbins said, “It’s definitely brought a lot of excitement to the school! We held a special black and white day where everyone dressed up as penguins—it was such a fun way to raise funds and get the whole school involved. We’ve also had penguin-themed art, writing projects, and even assemblies. The project has really inspired creativity across the curriculum and brought the school community together.
“The experience has been wonderful! The children have especially enjoyed seeing their ideas come to life and being involved in every step, from designing to painting. They’ve loved the hands-on creativity and the chance to work as a team, which has really boosted their confidence and school pride. It’s been inspiring to watch their excitement grow as the penguin took shape.”
Ashingdon Primary School was inspired to take part in Waddle-on-Sea after the success of Herd In The City, seeing it as a unique opportunity to celebrate creativity, unite the school community, and raise awareness of the vital care provided by Havens Hospices.
Their baby penguin, Pebbles—named after the special stone a penguin offers its mate—symbolises care, connection, and building something meaningful together. Dressed in the school’s colours, Pebbles showcases artwork from every class. Each year group contributed by painting a section linked to a topic they’ve studied, using a range of creative techniques, from fingerprint art in Reception to detailed brushwork in Year 5. Every child played a part in bringing the design to life, making Pebbles a true celebration of the whole school.
Early Years Lead Carol Apps said, “All of the children—and adults—have been buzzing about Pebbles. She toured all the classrooms before painting began, and the children loved being involved, with many asking to do even more! Pebbles has even made it into our weekly newsletter and now has her own display in the school hall. It’s been a fantastic experience for everyone.”
Wellbeing at Garon Park, a community wellbeing charity with an alternative provision (EH4CP) and youth club on site, previously took part in Herd In The City and Hares About Town, so joining Waddle-on-Sea felt like a natural next step.
Their penguin, BumbleKid, a playful combination of ‘bumblebee’ and ‘orchid’, celebrates the site’s ongoing conservation work, particularly with bees, and features the Pyramid Orchid that grows on their grounds. The honeycomb design symbolises unity and community, key themes in the charity’s mission, and is echoed by figures holding hands on the back of the sculpture. Young people from EH4CP contributed to the design through bold colour blocking, while Youth Lead Anna Sims completed the detailed painting using homemade stencils and freehand techniques.
Talking about what the group is most looking forward to when the trail officially launches, Youth Lead, Anna Sims, says, “They can’t wait to see their penguin displayed for the public and to show it off proudly, knowing they played such a big part in creating it. They’re also excited to see what others have made and to be part of something so positive and worthwhile.”
Once the trail goes live this Friday, trail-goers can purchase a map from any Havens Hospices charity shop (whilst stocks last), Waddle HQ at The Royals Shopping Centre and The Forum. There will also be a ‘Waddle-on-Sea’ app, available for download from the App Store or Google Play.
Faye Vince, Learning & Community Programme Lead at Havens Hospices, says, “The Learning & Community Programme is at the heart of Waddle-on-Sea, providing an incredible opportunity for participants of all ages to explore creativity in new and exciting ways.
“We’re incredibly proud of the beautifully crafted baby penguins that have come to life through this programme. Each one tells a unique story, reflecting the passion and imagination of schools, community groups, and local artists. We can’t wait for the public to see the mini huddle on the trail and celebrate the creativity on display across our community.”
Havens Hospices provides specialist care and support to people of all ages living with incurable conditions and their families. This care and support includes everyone, extending to partners, family, and friends to ensure the right support is available, where and when they need it.
This care is provided absolutely free of charge and is only made possible thanks to donations and fundraising initiatives such as Waddle-on-Sea.
For further information about the trail, visit www.waddleonsea.co.uk or search @waddleonsea on Instagram and Facebook.
Published on 8th July 2025
