Plymouth’s 42 Colorful Lighthouses Light Up Charity Trail Adventure

In Plymouth, a creative and meaningful event called the Guiding Lights trail is taking place, inviting people to explore the city through a series of lighthouse sculptures. Organized by St Luke's Hospice Plymouth, the trail aims to raise both funds and awareness for the hospice's end-of-life care services. There are 42 large lighthouses, each one uniquely designed and decorated by different artists, and sponsored by local businesses. These impressive sculptures will be displayed throughout the city until 13 September, offering residents and visitors a chance to discover art in unexpected places.

Alongside the main trail, 42 smaller lighthouses, designed by local schoolchildren, are being exhibited at the Box Gallery and Museum. Additionally, a group of 10 lighthouses will travel to various venues in Devon, reaching communities served by St Luke's nursing teams. Before being placed around Plymouth, all the lighthouses were unveiled at Market Hall in Devonport, where their vibrant colors and creative designs were first revealed to the public.

The artists behind the lighthouses drew inspiration from many sources. Alice Nimmo, a University of Plymouth graduate, created her design as a tribute to the timeless nature of caregiving, inspired by her mother's experience with St Luke's and a visit to the ancient friezes of Pompeii. Ellie Johnson, known as Mrs Murals, focused on the rich marine life of Plymouth Sound, including both sea creatures and man-made objects like ghost nets and tyres to highlight the importance of protecting the environment. Dafyd Roberts, another recent illustration graduate, painted his lighthouse with images of classic Devon treats such as pasties, scones, and cider, inspired by the animated film Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs. Artist Mandii Pope, working with Freyja Howlett, created a lighthouse that combines the themes of snakes and ladders and construction, adding a playful twist to the trail.

To help people enjoy the trail, there is a Guiding Lights app that provides maps, a pedometer, and information about each lighthouse. Souvenir maps are also available at the Plymouth Tourist Information Centre and St Luke's charity shops. The project is not just about art and fun; it is also a way to support St Luke's mission of providing compassionate care. The lighthouse theme was chosen because lighthouses are symbols of guidance and safety, much like the support St Luke's offers to patients and their families during difficult times. At the end of the trail, the large and roaming lighthouses will be auctioned on 1 October at the University of Plymouth, with all proceeds going to fund the hospice's work in people's homes and at their specialist unit in Turnchapel. The Guiding Lights trail is a celebration of art, community, and caring, shining a beacon of hope across Plymouth and beyond.