Picture of a Tilley Bancroft in the process of making the new visitor mascot Staffy sculpture
Tilley Bancroft from Making Trails works on a Staffy sculpture.
/

New Staffy Trail seeks business support

1 min read

Businesses are being encouraged to back a new Staffordshire art trail which aims to boost visitor numbers and local spending.

The Staffy Trail will run for at least 10 weeks from Staffordshire Day on 1 May, with 10 large sculptures of the county’s new visitor mascot spread across Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth, Stafford and Lichfield.

Each piece will form part of a wider interactive route, supported by an app to help people discover unique places and stories.

Companies can show their support by purchasing, sponsoring or part-sponsoring the sculptures.

Martin Murray, acting leader of Staffordshire County Council and cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “This trail is a fun, creative way to help people discover Staffordshire in a different light, but it’s equally about backing the businesses that keep our towns thriving.

“I hope organisations of all sizes will get involved, whether though sponsoring a sculpture or simply spreading the word locally. With opportunities starting from just £100 to feature on the trail’s app, it’s a great way for businesses to get in front of what we hope will be many thousands of visitors.”

Staffordshire’s new visitor mascot Staffy was unveiled last month.

The project is being delivered by art trail specialists Making Trails, based in Burton upon Trent, which produced Burton’s Barrell Roll trail in 2024. The initiative attracted more than 31,000 visitors and pumped an additional £600,000 into the local economy, as reported by Daily Focus here.

Making Trails will work with local artists and schools to design each sculpture.

There is the potential to extend the trail into the summer, depending on demand.

Businesses interested in sponsorship or getting involved in Staffordshire Day celebrations, should visit this webpage.

Sponsorships will be on a first come first served basis, with 15 March set as the final deadline for expressions of interest.

Hayley Johnson

Senior journalist with over 15 years’ experience writing for customers and audiences all over the world. Previous work has included everything from breaking news for national newspapers to complex business stories, in-depth human-interest features and celebrity interviews - and most things in between.

Latest from Blog