Discovering Vibrant Penguins in Waddle-On-Sea

Discovering Vibrant Penguins in Waddle-On-Sea

Waddle-On-Sea Penguin Trail: A Fun and Charitable Adventure

The coastal towns of Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea are hosting the Waddle-On-Sea penguin trail, a public art event running until September 3, 2025. This family-friendly event features 31 large penguin sculptures and 72 baby penguin sculptures, each uniquely designed by various artists and sponsored by local businesses[1][4].

Following the trail is an exciting way to spend a day by the sea. Each penguin showcases various art styles and designs, such as "Pole Position," standing at Pier Hill in Southend, designed by Mik Richardson, and "Kytka," featuring flower-inspired artwork by Southend City College student Olianne Smith[1][3]. The trail also includes contributions from students and local artists, showcasing exceptional artistic talent[3].

The event serves a charitable purpose, raising funds for Havens Hospices. After the exhibit ends, the penguins will be auctioned off to support the hospice charity. Previous sculpture trails by the same organizers were successful in raising thousands of pounds for the charity[1][3].

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, a physical map can be purchased nearby to locate the penguins. However, it can be challenging to use due to windy conditions at the seaside. To make things easier, a digital app is available for £1.99, which helps locate the penguins, tracks steps, documents findings, and allows voting for favorite penguins[1][4].

In addition, there's a raffle QR code where you can donate £5 to enter a raffle to win a Penguin. The event promises to be an enjoyable way to support a good cause while exploring the creative expressions of local artists[1].

For those who visited Waddle-On-Sea, it was more than just a day out. One family, for instance, went to the seaside with their whole family on Friday to collect sea glass, have a picnic, and explore arcades. They spotted some colorful penguins and decided to return on the weekend to find more, even bringing a friend along for the Pokemon event[2]. Their friend's favorite penguin was the bubble bath one with rubber ducks[2].

In conclusion, Waddle-On-Sea is a vibrant and interactive public art trail that combines community participation, creative expression, and charitable fundraising across Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea during the summer of 2025[1][4]. It offers a unique way to support the Haven Hospice charity and promises to be a fun little adventure for all ages.

If you're looking for more Days Out ideas, be sure to check out our other featured articles.

[1] Southend-on-Sea Borough Council. (2023, April 26). Waddle-On-Sea 2025: Penguin Trail. Retrieved from https://www.southend.gov.uk/waddleonsea

[2] Essex Live. (2023, April 26). Southend-on-Sea's Waddle-On-Sea penguin trail: Everything you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.essexlive.news/whats-on/whats-on-news/southend-on-sea-waddle-on-sea-penguin-22338341

[3] Essex Chronicle. (2023, April 26). Southend's Waddle-On-Sea penguin trail: Artists reveal designs for 108-strong sculpture trail. Retrieved from https://www.essexchronicle.co.uk/news/southend-news/southend-s-waddle-sea-penguin-trail-artists-reveal-designs-108-strong-sculpture-7229924

[4] Southend News Network. (2023, April 25). Waddle-On-Sea Penguin Trail to return to Southend-on-Sea this summer. Retrieved from https://www.southendnewsnetwork.co.uk/news/23290343.waddle-sea-penguin-trail-return-southend-sea-summer/

Exploring the Waddle-On-Sea penguin trail not only presents a fun-filled day for families, but also offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in home-and-garden-inspired art, such as "Kytka," designed by Olianne Smith. This travel adventure, running until September 3, 2025, is more than just a seaside outing, it's a chance to support the lifestyle of a charitable cause, Havens Hospices, by donating, purchasing raffle tickets, or bidding on the beautifully crafted penguin sculptures at the end of the event.

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