THEY are usually found in oceans across the globe, but now dolphins are set to trade their seafaring habitats to move further inland onto the streets of Southampton.

As part of a spectacular arts project, a pod of up to 30 colourful dolphins will ‘pop up and spy hop’ across several city locations early next August.

The exciting ‘Discover Dolphins! sculpture trail’ has been announced this week by UK based marine wildlife charity Whale and Dolphin Conversation (WDC), and partners Wild In Art.

The last time the city saw a take over like this was in 2016 when an army of ‘Zany Zebras’ stampeded onto the streets.

But now life-sized fibreglass dolphins will be on show on their trail around the city until mid-October 2021 offering plenty of time for residents to grab their snaps.

Once taken down they will be auctioned off to raise money to help protect dolphins in the wild from pollution, accidental death in nets, capture for captivity shows and hunting.

A spokesperson for the charity said the project is set to “bring some colourful fun to the streets of Southampton, give a timely boost to the pandemic hit local arts and business communities in the city and also help protect these magnificent creatures in the wild against the many threats they face each day.”

Sharon Stevenson, community and events fundraising manager at Whale and Dolphin Conservation, said: “With its proud maritime history and heritage, Southampton is the perfect location for a marine mammal sculpture trail.

“As well as attracting visitors to Southampton and helping business, this mass-appeal public arts event gives local people the chance to become tourists in their own city over the summer.

“In addition, Discover Dolphins! is an unmissable 12-month PR opportunity for local businesses and a unique opportunity to showcase the huge wealth of artistic talent in Southampton.”

The event, run in partnership with Go! Southampton and Southampton City Council, is set to provide an opportunity for the community to come together once again in Summer 2021.

Giles Semper, executive director at GO! Southampton, said: "We’re delighted to be working with Whale and Dolphin Conservation and Wild in Art to bring the Discover Dolphins!trail to Southampton next year.

"These types of trail are proven to be highly popular with residents and visitors alike and present opportunities for local businesses and artists to get involved too.

"It is also a particularly fitting addition to the city calendar in the year Southampton’s UK City of Culture bid will be submitted."

Southampton is only the latest city to benefit from the successful Wild in Art sculpture projects, which have previously seen Go Rhinos in Southampton and Snowdogs by the Sea and Snailspace in Brighton and Hove.

Many in the city will remember four years ago when an army of ‘Zany Zebras’ transformed many areas of Southampton as part of Marwell Wildlife’s public art extravaganza.

That project saw huge support from local organisations and businesses across the region and organisers are hoping they can attract that same support for their colourful dolphins.

Councillor Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Culture and Homes at Southampton City Council, said: “Our animal themed public art trails are a firm family favourite and roaring success in Southampton

“The trail will be a great way for local residents and visitors alike to rediscover our great city, explore iconic locations and find some hidden gems.

“We are proud to be supporting this wonderful engaging project as we continue on our journey to become UK City of Culture 2025.”

Claire Whitaker OBE, Southampton’s UK City of Culture 2025 Bid director said: “The trail will help to enhance the public realm, brightening our streets, parks and neighbourhoods.

Since 2008 Wild in Art has animated cities across the world with events enabling over £15m to be raised for charity and injected £2.4m into local creative communities.

Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art said: “Our events are designed to bring the enjoyment of public art to everyone while offering new ways for people to explore their local area, but we need the support of local businesses to make it happen.

“Sponsorship of a dolphin is an unprecedented business development, employee and community engagement opportunity and a great way to support the arts and creative industries.

“Support Discover Dolphins! and together we can create an unforgettable event for the city.”