Hares About Town Hops into Southend

The Hares About Town sculpture trail of 30 hares have been let loose around Southend on Sea, raising money for Havens Hospices.

This event is the first sculpture trail of this kind that has been seen in the town, and the art on the sculptures reflect a range of topics from local history, science and the environment to fun characterful puns based on the hare and hare-mazing fun facts!

Working until 3am on the morning of the launch on 1st July, the installation team ensured Southend woke up to a town filled with colour.

Natalie Solomons from Kiwi Productions Project Management said, “It was so nerve racking when the first few were installed, using two different types of forklift trucks. Crowds were watching the hares swinging in the air so the pressure was really on! We are just thrilled that all were planted safely thanks to our logistics partner Atlantic Pacific. To wake up the next day and drive along the seafront to see so many people enjoying them already is just amazing!”

The free trail is made up of small and large hares and it is an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, meet up with friends and enjoy the town.  The large hares have been sponsored by businesses and individually designed and created by a selection of local and national artists.

The 57 leverets (baby hares) are part of a Learning Programme and they have been created in a range of schools and community groups from nursery age to young adults. These will graze alongside the main trail giving additional fun and colour to the event. They can be found in clusters and individually around the town in cultural hotspots such as The Beecroft Art Gallery, Southend Pier and many more locations to be enjoyed before they return to their creators at the end of the trail.

The leverets have already been installed and the list of locations along with the associated groups who have created them at www.haresabouttown.co.uk.

The Harequarters is located at The Royals Shopping Centre.  There will be hare themed merchandise for sale as well as artwork from the artists involved in the project. There will be an area for children’s arts and crafts as well.

The trail ends with an auction to raise funds for Havens Hospices which provides palliative care and support for adults and children that have been diagnosed with an incurable disease. For more details visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/auction

Published 5th July 2021

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Hare sculpture looks like a pilot being wheeled across the car park