BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, and the official Community Partner of Julia’s House’s Great Tail Trail, has unveiled several stunning mermaid tail sculptures across leisure centres and venues in Bournemouth

The Great Tail Trail consists of more than 45 giant mermaid tails and more than 40 Tiny Tails, bringing a splash of colour and creativity across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

Four of these tiny sculptures include three designed by local schools Puddle Lane, Ringwood School, and St Peter’s Catholic School, located at BH Live Active, Littledown, Bournemouth’s flagship leisure centre. Trail participants can also discover BH Live’s very own sponsored giant sculpture, designed by local Arts University Bournemouth student Beck O’Hara.

Community sculptures created by Merley First School, Christ the King RC Primary School and St Mary’s CE First School & Nursery are at BH Live Active, Pelhams. An additional BH Live sponsored sculpture designed by Kelly Ma - a Wild In Art artist and professional illustrator - is also on display in the centre’s reception.

Several community sculptures imagined by St Walburg’s Catholic Primary School, The Bishop of Winchester Academy, and Bournemouth School are being featured at Sir David English Sports Centre.

A giant sculpture, sponsored by Bournemouth Water, will capture the eye of delegates, visitors, and show goers and diners at Bournemouth International Centre.

All Great Tail Trail sculptures, including those hosted at BH Live Active centres, will be displayed at a final Farewell Weekend event on 14-15 June 2025 at Bournemouth International Centre before being auctioned later in the month to raise vital funds for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. Tickets to the Farewell Weekend can be purchased online at juliashouse.org.uk/tail-trail/events/farewell-event.

On behalf of BH Live, Jon Workman, Chief Executive Officer, shared;

“It’s been fantastic to work with Julia’s House Children’s Hospice as the official Community Partner for the Great Tail Trail. We’re so excited for everyone to see the two fantastic pieces created by community artists, and to host sculptures designed by local schools and community groups across our centres.

“The trail is a fantastic opportunity to support a local charity, while discovering key landmarks and locations across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. We invite everyone to attend the Farewell Weekend at Bournemouth International Centre this summer, so they can see the amazing sculptures all in one place.”

On behalf of Julia’s House, Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager, shared;

"We hope that everyone who explores The Great Tail Trail enjoys visiting the beautiful mermaid tails which are on display at the Bournemouth International Centre, BH Live Active at Littledown and Pelhams and Sir David English Sports Centre," said Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager for Julia's House.

"It's fantastic to have the support of BH Live as our Community Partner for the trail and we're looking forward to a wonderful Farewell Weekend at the Bournemouth International Centre on 14 & 15 June to celebrate the trail's finale. You'll be able to see all the tails for the last time before they are sent to auction to raise money for Julia's House, buy some trail-themed goodies, enjoy fun activities for children including mini sculpture painting and have the chance to meet some of our tail-ented artists! Make sure to book your tickets early!"

More information about BH Live can be found online at bhlive.org.uk.

More information about The Great Tail Trail can be found online at juliashouse.org.uk/tail-trail.