The popular Staffy Trail is making a return for the remainder of the summer, with eight of the larger-than-life sculptures going display at Trentham Gardens.
The attraction, which launched in May to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Staffordshire Day, featured 11 pieces of public art based on the county’s new visitor mascot, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Staffy, dotted around the county.
The original ten-week trail brought in tourists from outside the county, with Staffordshire County Council estimating it generated around £180,000 for the local economy.
From tomorrow (1 August) until 18 September, people will be able to hunt for eight of the sculptures along a trail at Trentham Gardens.
The ‘Outdoors Muddy Paws’ Staffy, designed by Lynne Hollingworth, has already gone on display at its new permanent home at Trentham Shopping Village at the tourist attraction.
Hayley Coles, the 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.”
The Staffy Trail was delivered by the county council in partnership with the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP).
The sculptures were designed by local artists and schoolchildren, with each piece of art highlighting elements of Staffordshire’s heritage, creativity or communities.
The winning entries from a creative writing competition will be on display alongside three of the Staffys at Trentham.
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.”
The winners were: Lucy Goodman, who wrote What Sonney Means to Everyone, Jasper author Reef Boguslawski, and Gemma-Louise Walsh whose piece was titled Beam Me Up Staffordshire.
People who book early bird tickets to Trentham Gardens online and two days in advance can save 15%. Find out more here.
