The Staffy Trail is coming to Trentham
Due to popular demand, the much-loved Staffy Trail is returning exclusively to Trentham Gardens for the school summer holidays from Saturday 1 August. Visitors will once again be able to explore the colourful public art trail, with the three winning entries from the Staffy’s Tales creative writing competition displayed alongside selected sculptures.
Over the last few months, thousands of people followed Staffy’s lead to discover all 11 Staffordshire Bull Terrier sculptures in towns across the county.
Delivered by Staffordshire County Council in partnership with the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), the 10-week Staffy Trail attracted visitors from across the UK and generated around £180,000 for the local economy, while encouraging people to explore Staffordshire’s towns and attractions.
Now there’s another chance to experience the trail. Eight of the much-loved sculptures will be on display at Trentham Gardens from Saturday 1 August until 18 September. Visitors can also meet ‘Outdoors Muddy Paws’, designed by Lynne Hollingworth, which has already found its permanent home in the Trentham Shopping Village.
Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said: “It was incredibly rewarding to see so many people discover new parts of our beautiful county in such a fun way. The trail has given a real boost to our local towns and businesses, and helped thousands of people see why Staffordshire is the nation’s playground.
“If you didn’t manage to tick off all the Staffy sculptures first time round, you now have another chance to enjoy them at Trentham this summer.”
As part of the trail, visitors will also be able to enjoy the winning entries from the Staffy’s Tales creative writing competition, displayed alongside the sculptures that inspired them.
The winners are:
- Lucy Goodman – What Sonney Means to Everyone
- Reef Boguslawski – Jasper
- Gemma-Louise Walsh – Beam Me Up Staffordshire
The competition was judged by Staffordshire’s Young Poet Laureate, Pearl Knight-Dutton, alongside Chloe Breeze, the artist behind the popular Sonney Staffy sculpture.
Kerrie Pope, Head of Events and Marketing at the Trentham Estate, said: “The Staffy Trail was received with so much love by both local residents and tourists. We’re delighted to be welcoming eight of the Staffy sculptures to Trentham this summer, alongside our own ‘Muddy Paws’, giving even more people the chance to enjoy the creativity and talent behind each one.
“I want to say a huge congratulations to all three winners of the writing competition. Your entries really impressed our judges and will be proudly displayed alongside your chosen Staffy sculptures over the summer.”
To visit the Staffy Trail at Trentham Gardens, book early bird tickets online at least two days in advance to save 15%, or enjoy unlimited visits with a Trentham membership.