Waddle-on-Sea is an extraordinary public art event which will take place from Friday 11 July to Wednesday 3 September and aims to raise vital funds for Havens Hospice.
Over the next seven weeks Southend-on-Sea will be brought to life by a huddle of beautiful painted penguins and baby penguins. Each unique, individually designed, penguin and baby penguin will be part of the spectacular outdoor art trail. The large penguins, each sponsored by a business, will then be auctioned off to raise vital funds for Havens Hospices' specialist palliative care.
The art trail is completely free to follow and gives you the chance to become a tourist in your own city. You'll be able to support Havens Hospices by purchasing a map, downloading their app, or getting involved in their fundraising event and activities which will be announced which will be announced once the trail begins this weekend. To help both residents and visitors, C2C has created a special rover ticket, available for both adults and children, which will allow customers to hop on and off the train as they follow the penguin trail around the city.
Cllr Matt Dent, cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism said: "It's wonderful to see so many people coming together to raise much needed funds for an essential local charity, Havens Hospice. This 'flipping fabulous' event will see our city full of waddling penguins and promises to be another fun and exciting art trail of discovery.
"This wonderful free event will give local people and visitors a chance to get involved in just one of the many events we have to offer over the summer that celebrate Southend's rich arts, culture and heritage as part of our Civic Pride programme, we really do have something for everyone to enjoy.
"I would like to thank Waddle-on-Sea, Wild in Art, and all those who helped to organise and contribute to this event. And I encourage everyone to get involved in the festivities and follow the trail to see what you will discover and if you can donate to support this fantastic charity then please do so."
To find out more, visit the Waddle-on-Sea webiste.