Waddle-on-Sea – created by Havens Hospices and Wild in Art – features 31 large penguin sculptures and 72 baby sculptures dotted throughout the city, including Leigh-on-Sea, until Wednesday 3 September.  

Standing proudly at Victoria Circus, just outside Southend Victoria Train Station, Ayers & Cruiks’ penguin Emperor Caesar greets visitors to the city with a regal presence. The sculpture, resplendent in Roman armour and a laurel wreath, is one of 31 larger-than-life penguins forming the free art trail across Southend and Leigh-on-Sea this summer. 

As long-term supporters of Havens Hospices, Ayers & Cruiks has raised a substantial amount through fundraising since 2006 to fund free, specialist care for local families. The local estate agents have supported all three sculpture trails brought to Southend since 2021 by Havens Hospices, with Waddle-on-Sea being just the latest community project they’ve backed. Their continued support ensures Havens Hospices can provide specialist care for babies, children, young people and adults across Essex living with complex or incurable conditions. 

Steve Ayers, Director of Ayers & Cruiks, says, “Ayers & Cruiks is proud to support Waddle on Sea, the colourful public art trail bringing joy and fundraising to our community this summer. 

We’ve sponsored a striking penguin sculpture by Tim Sutcliffe, now on display outside Victoria Train Station — just a short walk from our offices on Baxter Avenue — where the team recently visited for a group photo. 

Having supported Herd in the City and the Hares trail in previous years, we’re excited to be part of another creative initiative that supports the incredible work of Havens Hospices. Running throughout the summer, the trail invites everyone to get out, explore, and support a truly vital cause.” 

The huddle of beautiful sculptures will be across the city until September 3rd so locals, tourists and penguin lovers alike are encouraged to follow the huddle throughout the summer and spot Caesar and his companions across the city.  

Trail-goers can follow the trail by purchasing a map from any Havens Hospices charity shop (whilst stocks last), 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, available to download from the App Store or Google Play. 

For further information about the trail, visit www.waddleonsea.co.uk or search @waddleonsea on Instagram and Facebook. 

Published on 30th July 2025