Each of the 71 baby elephants will be uniquely designed by a local school, youth group, or community project, and displayed in "mini herds" alongside 46 large elephants for eight weeks between July and September 2023, before returning to their creators.

Recently, Havens Hospices hosted an inspiration event for the 61 participating local schools and groups. The event provided an opportunity for the attendees to hear from a number of presenters and share their ideas for their sculptures and fundraising activities. Hayley Cleveland, Audit & Accounts Manager from Rickard Luckin, spoke about the importance of the programme, while Annie Laughrin, Art & Education Manager for Wild in Art and co-creators of Herd In The City , gave advice and tips on the art materials to use when decorating the babies.

Michelle Arnold, Head of Art for The Eastwood Academy, and Lauren Eagle-Allen from Havens Hospices also shared key information and the reason for the charity’s art trail. Kate Bell, Director and Head of Education at Rickard Luckin, expressed her pride and excitement for being involved in an initiative that complements the company's ethos and values.

“We are proud and excited to be involved in an initiative that complements our ethos and values at Rickard Luckin. There is no doubt that the project will have a very positive impact on inspiring and motivating our young people, all while supporting the vital work of local charity Havens Hospices.”

The Learning Programme not only offers children and young people the opportunity to experiment with different art forms, but also empowers them to take ownership and showcase their artwork to thousands of people, making it accessible to all. The children and young people are at the heart of our communities, and it's important to give them the opportunity to be embedded in projects like Herd In The City.

At the end of the event, the groups collected their blank baby elephants and took them back to begin their decoration before returning them for the trail. Lauren Eagle-Allen, Learning Programme Lead at Havens Hospices, expressed her excitement about seeing all the local schools and community coming together for the Inspiration Event and how the art trail will raise thousands of pounds for the hospice charity.

“It was great to see all the local schools and community coming together for the Inspiration Event. Everyone was so excited to collect their baby elephants and to get started on their decoration.

“As well as being an unforgettable event for all involved, the art trail will raise thousands of pounds for Havens Hospices, allowing us to provide free, specialist hospice care for local adults, children, and families who need us.”

Herd In The City is made possible thanks to Presenting Partner Southend-on-Sea City Council, Official Event Partners, BTMK Solicitors, Method IT, Ayers & Cruiks and c2c, plus Rickard Luckin as the Learning Programme Partner, Atlantic Pacific as the Logistics Partner, Echo Newspaper as the Media Partner, Main Media as the Photography and Videography Partner, and 6rs as the Creative Partner, which has produced the brand for the project.

Keep up to date with the herd at www.herdinthe.city or follow herdinthe.city on Instagram and @herdinthecity on Twitter and Facebook

Photo: Main Media