Why it matters: The Hop to it! Suffolk 2025 art trail will run from 21 June to 29 August, raising vital funds for St Elizabeth Hospice, which needs £12 million annually to provide its services.
The big picture: The hospice supports over 4,000 people living with progressive or life-limiting illnesses throughout East and Mid-Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, with 70% of funding coming from community support.
The details:
Ipswich will feature 33 large, ornately decorated hare sculptures
Four satellite locations - Beccles, Felixstowe, Lowestoft, and Woodbridge - will collectively host 52 additional sculptures
The project is created in partnership with Wild in Art
Local authority support comes from East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council
What they're saying: "We cannot wait to see the trail hit the streets of Suffolk, bringing colour and creativity to Ipswich, Beccles, Felixstowe, Lowestoft, and Woodbridge this summer," said Celia Joseph, Community & Partnerships Fundraising Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice.
For context: This follows the success of previous hospice art trails in Ipswich, including Pigs Gone Wild, Elmer's Big Parade Suffolk, and The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022.
What's next: The sculptures will be auctioned off to raise funds for the hospice, with the auction date to be announced in the coming months.
The bottom line: The hospice is seeking volunteers to help deliver what will be their biggest art trail yet, with details available at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/hop-to-it-volunteers.
