The trail features 31 large penguin sculptures alongside 72 baby sculptures, all dotted across Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea. The sculptures are displayed in a variety of locations, including Southend’s high street, iconic pier and seafront and the characterful streets of Leigh, bringing splashes of colour and creativity to the city until Wednesday 3 September.
The installation of the waddle was captured on film by Videography Partner Main Media and expertly managed by Logistics Partner Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics, an industry-leading company with offices across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States, whose role has been vital from the initial planning stages through to the current display, and will continue until the penguins move on to their forever homes after the trail ends.
The team carefully transported and placed each sculpture in its new home, working throughout the night using a Hiab lorry – a specialist vehicle fitted with a crane for lifting heavy loads – and an articulated trailer with a Moffett, a compact forklift that mounts to the back of the trailer to ensure each one arrived safely and securely.
Chrissy Nichols, Director of Atlantic Pacific, said, “This is the third trail we’ve supported as logistics partner, and while it’s definitely not our usual cargo, it’s something we take huge pride in. It’s not your typical day at work, but our team loves the challenge, even working through the night to make sure everything is in place safely and on time. These events bring so much joy to the community, and we’re proud to play a part in bringing them to life – waddle fun it will be.”
Following the installation, local charity Havens Hospices hosted a launch event at their Waddle HQ on Southend’s high street to celebrate the official start of the trail with partners and sponsors. The event marked the beginning of the ‘brrrilliant’ adventure, offering guests the opportunity to take photos, capture content, and explore the fully branded Waddle-on-Sea shop, featuring exclusive merchandise and four of the baby penguins.
Owen Williams from 6rs, the partner who brought the brand to life, commented, “We’re incredibly proud to be part of Waddle-on-Sea and to support Havens Hospices and the amazing work they do in our community. It’s such a creative and fun way to bring people together while raising awareness and funds for a truly vital cause. Seeing the penguins take over Southend and Leigh with such colour and character is brilliant – we can’t wait to see the smiles and memories this trail brings over the summer.”
Throughout the summer, trail-goers can purchase a map from any Havens Hospices charity shops and other venues, including the Pier Information Centre, The Forum, Leigh-on-Sea Library and Waddle-on-Sea HQs at The Royals Shopping Centre and 141 Leigh Road. There is also a ‘Waddle-on-Sea’ app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, making it easy to explore the trail.
Havens Hospices offers specialist care and support to people of all ages, including their families, across Essex, ensuring the right support is available where and when it’s needed. This vital care is provided free of charge, made possible only through donations and initiatives like Waddle-on-Sea.
Vanessa Harvey, Projects Manager at Havens Hospices, said, “We’re delighted the penguins have finally arrived in the city. After months of planning and painting, we’re thrilled to share this vibrant waddle with the community. This trail brings art to the streets and raises essential funds so Havens Hospices can continue providing free, specialist care and support to people living with incurable conditions and their families.”
At the end of the trail, all of the large and baby penguins will come together one final time for the Farewell Weekend, taking place from the 13th to the 14th September. This special event offers visitors a last chance to see the whole Waddle-on-Sea huddle before the large penguins, along with a select few baby penguins, go under the hammer at auction to raise vital funds for Havens Hospices. The remaining baby penguins will then return to their forever homes with the schools and community groups that designed them, leaving a lasting legacy of creativity and community spirit.
Waddle-on-Sea runs till Wednesday 3rd September. To purchase tickets for the Farewell Weekend or to find out more information about the trail, visit www.waddleonsea.co.uk.
Published on 15th July 2025
