Interactive art trail to arrive in Southampton this summer

Hares of Hampshire is an interactive art trail created in collaboration with Wild in Art by The Murray Parish Trust, with the aim of raising money for the charity.

The trail will span across Southampton and Winchester, with a total of 31 hares available for people to spot.

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The 6ft tall sculpted hares are painted by artists, many of whom are from Hampshire, and incorporate a “huge range” of different artistic styles and materials.

A spokesperson from The Murray Parish Trust, which supports children's emergency services across the South of England, said: “We are incredibly happy to be working on the Hares of Hampshire art trail, bringing together local businesses and talented artists from across the county, all while raising money to help support emergency care at Southampton Children's Hospital.

Photo: Southampton City Council

“Our aim is to better equip Southampton Children’s Hospital with ground-breaking, life-saving equipment, which will enhance the lives and wellbeing of children from across the whole of the South of England.

“This is what the proceeds from the auction will help to fund.”

Fifteen hares will arrive in Southampton on Thursday, June 16 before hopping away on Thursday, 25 August 2022.

Then, from September 8 to 11, there will be the chance to say a final ‘goodbye’ at a farewell event before each hare is auctioned to raise funds for The Trust.

The spokesperson added: “The interactive trail is going to bring so much colour and fun to the cities of Winchester and Southampton and we can't wait to see the chosen designs brought to life on our giant hares for everyone to enjoy.”

Anyone taking part in the trail will be able to follow it through Southampton and Winchester via an app, which will be available when the event begins.

Trail participants can then 'collect' each hare and find out more information, as well as receive a reward.