In 2023 we’re supporting public art once again through the Herd in the City event, taking place in Southend from 14 July to 4 September 2023. All money raised will be in support of local charity, Havens Hospices.

Featuring dozens of uniquely designed, created elephant sculptures, Herd in the City will be bringing unforgettable vibrancy to the city of Southend, stretching from Leigh to Shoeburyness.

The Herd in the City art trail

The art trail will see more than 30 large elephant sculptures (and 70 baby elephants) dotted around the City of Southend, including Shoeburyness and Leigh-on­-Sea, for more than eight weeks. Locals and visitors will be able to enjoy and explore a free, fun, family-friendly trail featuring these individually designed artworks. The mini-herd of baby elephants have been designed by local schools and community groups, helping people of all ages and backgrounds experience art.

Our own elephant

As an official partner, c2c is sponsoring an elephant, designed by artist Jason Curtis. Once it’s been revealed to the public, we’ll be sharing pictures here and – who knows, perhaps there might be some goodies in store for those who visit them, courtesy of Shrek’s Adventure, Grease the Musical, Back to the Future The Musical and c2c.

Location

c2c’s elephant will be located outside Marks & Spencer on Southend High Street, close to Southend Central Station.

Why an elephant?

Havens Hospices engaged their staff and volunteers in the selection process in early 2022, enabling them to vote for their favourite sculpture. The shortlist was pooled from a variety of in-depth staff sessions across the organisation at Havens Hospices. Over one third of votes were ultimately cast for The Elephant!
“The Elephant depicts many of the values of our hospice care – they never forget, much like our families making treasured memories together and saying goodbye to loved ones at the hospices, and they are sensitive, caring and nurturing, much like our Care Teams who work tirelessly to make every day count for every patient and their families, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Gallery

About Havens Hospices

Havens Hospices provides palliative nursing and supportive care to adults and children living with complex or incurable conditions across Essex.

Their specialist Care Teams can support individuals and their families living throughout illness, death and bereavement in the comfort of their own homes through their hospice services, Fair Havens in Southend-on-Sea and Little Havens in Benfleet.

The hospice focuses on quality of life, caring for individual physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs.

Havens Hospices is a registered charity – not part of the NHS – and receives limited government funding. They don’t charge a penny for any of their care services. Their hospice care can only exist because of the support and generosity of the community. Together, they’re ‘Making every day count.’
For more information, visit havenshospices.org.uk.