The Great Tail Trail has scored another sponsor as AFC Bournemouth confirms it will put its name to one of 45 giant mermaid tail sculptures on next spring's community art adventure through Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP).

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L-R Caroline Attreed and Mike Bartlett of Julia's House with Jim Frevola, Hannah Powis and Rob Mitchell of AFC Bournemouth

The football club joins other local businesses and organisations in becoming a trail sponsor and helping raise vital funds for Dorset's children's hospice charity, Julia's House.

"AFC Bournemouth is supporting The Great Tail Trail as it will be a key event within our local community, for a charity which has always been close to the club,” explains Hannah Powis, Head of EDI & Engagement for AFC Bournemouth. "We are particularly fond of the trail because it encourages people to get out and about across Dorset, remain active and socialise with friends and family."

The unique and colourful mermaid tails will be on display in popular locations across BCP when The Great Tail Trail kicks off for 8 weeks from 5 April 2025, providing a free and family-friendly walking trail for the public to explore. Once the final whistle blows on the trail, there's a chance to purchase a one-of-a-kind piece of art when the sculptures are auctioned off at a special event in aid of Julia's House on 20 June.

Hundreds of talented local and national artists have submitted designs for the sculptures, which will now be shortlisted down for sponsors to choose from at an event held at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium next month.

Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager for Julia's House, says, "We’re really excited to have AFC Bournemouth join The Great Tail Trail as a mermaid tail sponsor. The club has been so supportive of Julia’s House over the years, bringing lots of joy to the children and families we care for. 

“More and more businesses are diving in to become sponsors, so don’t watch from the sidelines – there are so many benefits to getting your brand seen as part of this huge event for BCP next year. It could be a real game changer for your business!”

Julia’s House is your local children’s hospice charity, caring for the most seriously ill children across Dorset. The charity provides specialist care that’s individualised for each family and includes care for the seriously ill child, family support, emergency and end of life care at the Dorset hospice’s Mermaid Suite, which provides the inspiration for the sculptures on The Great Tail Trail.

Julia’s House has partnered with Wild in Art, the leading producer of spectacular public art events to bring The Great Tail Trail to BCP, following their collaborations on the Pride in Bournemouth lion trail (2011) and in Swindon last year with The Big Dog Art Trail, which both raised awareness and funds for Julia’s House.

 

Discover more about The Great Tail Trail at www.greattailtrail.co.uk