• Swindon & Wiltshire Community champions
• Wednesday March 22 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Housebuilder Persimmon joins The Big Dog Art Trail pack

The excitement around The Big Dog Art Trail is building as another sponsor finds a home for a Swindog. Joining the pack are housebuilders Persimmon, who are currently developing homes on a number of sites in Swindon including Stanton Chase and Badbury Park.

They are the latest to sponsor one of 30 Swindogs – larger than life balloon dog sculptures that will be placed around Swindon this summer.

The UK’s first-ever balloon dog art trail will raise essential funds for the local children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.

Sales director for Persimmon Wessex, Pauline Fletcher, said, “We are delighted to be able to show our support to Julia’s House children’s hospice through our sponsorship of The Big Dog Art Trail.

“Persimmon has a significant presence across Wiltshire – where Julia’s House does so much good for local families – and we’re proud to be able to play our part in raising awareness of the fantastic work undertaken by the charity.

“As a local housebuilder, we want to leave a positive lasting legacy within the communities where we build locally, and we can think of no better cause than supporting Julia’s House through our Community Champions initiative.

“We look forward to meeting with the well-known local artist who will be uniquely decorating the Persimmon sculpture, and to seeing the community in Swindon enjoying this colourful trail over the summer months as we all get behind Julia’s House children’s hospice.”

The Big Dog Art Trail is being brought to Swindon by Julia’s House and global public art producer Wild in Art, who has previously hosted trails in cities across the UK and worldwide.

South Swindon Parish Council looks after a number of parks in Swindon, including Town Gardens and Queens Park, where sculptures will be hosted.

The council has been instrumental in ensuring the trail takes place and will be supporting with events throughout the summer.

Councillor Neil Hopkins of South Swindon Parish Council joined the Persimmon team in meeting the first painted Swindog sculpture at Badbury Park.

Coun Hopkins said, “I am delighted to have been invited to join this Swindog launch event at what is to be South Swindon Parish Council’s new Badbury Park Community Hub and Children’s library, which was built by Persimmon.

“Swindogs will be appearing in parks and public spaces in South Swindon Parish and other parts of Swindon from July, and we wish Julia’s House every success in raising substantial funds through this exciting event.”

The Big Dog Art Trail will run from 15 July to 3 September, 2023, and end with a grand farewell weekend where all of the stunning Swindog sculptures will be brought together under one roof.

The giant one-of-a-kind creations will then head off to their forever homes after being adopted at a special auction event to raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospice.

Chris Hyde, project manager for The Big Dog Art Trail, added: “It is brilliant to have Persimmon supporting the trail by sponsoring one of our Swindogs.

“They play a key role in the Swindon community and we are proud to be one of their Community Champions.

“We’d also like to thank South Swindon Parish Council for their fantastic support of the event and with their help, it is guaranteed to be something all Swindon residents can be proud of.”