Brighton Art Trail Character Unveiled For Autumn 2023 - And He's Baaa-rilliant!

Local Brighton charity, Martlets has unveiled the character for the next art trail around the city, which will begin next September for eight weeks.

Shaun the Sheep by the Sea will see a colourful cavalcade of one-off painted Shauns decorate Brighton's streets, following previous trails which featured the Snowdogs and SnailSpace.

Shaun's unveiling happened at a special event on Wednesdays September 21 at the Royal Pavilion, where Martlets ambassador and superstar DJ Norman Cook – aka Fatboy Slim – showcased a fabulous Regency inspired Shaun the Sheep, created by local artist Sarah Arnett. 

Norman’s own Big Beach Café has committed to sponsoring a sculpture – proving there’s nothing woolly about this opportunity.

He said:  

“If you’re thinking about joining us in being a sponsor for the next trail, my advice would be to go for it! To be a part of such a creative and inspiring community project, in support of a local charity we couldn’t do without, is absolutely priceless.”

The sponsored art trail raises vital funds for the charity that provides terminally ill people in Brighton and Hove, and surrounding areas, with the very best care and support. 

In a truly ewe-nique opportunity, local businesses are being invited to sponsor a Shaun – joining among others Donatello, Tillo and Enter Gallery who have already committed their support to the trail. Brandwatch, the world’s premier social suite, has confirmed its role as headline sponsor of what promises to be the one of the biggest and brightest charity events of 2023.

With the last two years so heavily impacted by COVID, the charity hopes next year’s art trail Shaun by the Sea will be a chance to celebrate and connect with all the very best the diverse communities of Brighton & Hove have to offer.

Martlets CEO, Claire Irving, said:

“At Martlets we support those who are dying, and we’re also all about bringing as much joy to life as possible. We’re passionate about connecting people in need with people who care.

"Shaun by the Sea will bring together individuals, families, fundraisers, volunteers, schools, artists, community groups and businesses in support of those affected by terminal illness in our community. We very much hope local businesses will seize this opportunity to be part of the #BrightonFlock with Martlets in 2023 and sign up today.”

Rachel Peacock from Aardman, the studio behind Shaun the Sheep, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the brilliant charity Martlets on their next trail. Shaun is such a well-loved character, entertaining fans for over 15 years with his mischievous adventures full of slapstick humour.

"We look forward to working with sponsors and artists to bring Shaun to the streets of Brighton & Hove; he is sure to add such fun and colour and we are in no doubt many will flock to be part of the fun!”

The trail is brought to the city in association with Wild in Art, the organisation who partnered with Martlets on the previous art adventures. The last two trails generated millions of social media impressions and global press and TV interest.

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art, added:

“I have no doubt that Shaun the Sheep will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike, while helping to raise vital funds for Martlets. With your support we can create an event that will have significant impact during the autumn of 2023.”

To find out more about the trail and how you or your business can be part of it visit www.shaunbythesea.co.uk

2022 has been a significant year in the history of Martlets, seeing it celebrate 25 years of care and move to a temporary home at Maycroft Manor while work on updating its hospice site in Wayfield Avenue, Hove started. Thanks to the generosity of the local community, all of Martlets care is free.