Burton upon Trent's first-ever Swan art trail project

Swans are set to be a familiar sight in Burton upon Trent as an exciting new community arts trail project prepares to take flight in 2020.

As part of the Burton Swans art trail project, 25 uniquely-designed swan sculptures will flock to Burton upon Trent and will be positioned across the town’s streets and open spaces, all sponsored by local businesses including St. Modwen Homes.

The first-ever Burton Swans art trail project is set to go live in July 2020 for ten weeks, to bring schools, businesses, community groups, and artists together in their love for art.

A mobile app has also been created to help visitors plot their route and discover the inspiration behind each of the 25 swan designs and their sponsors.

At the end of the ten weeks, there will be a farewell ‘swan song event’ before the 25 swans are auctioned off in October to raise money for Burton and District YMCA.

Dave Smith, Managing Director at St. Modwen Homes, said:

“As part of our purpose to change places and create better futures, it’s so important for us to get involved with the communities we work in and support projects like Burton Swans art trail and the talented artists involved in the initiative. This is a fantastic community project which allows residents in Burton upon Trent and visitors from further afield to enjoy a free, fun family day out following the unique sculpture trail while also raising money for a local charity, Burton and District YMCA.”

Tilley Bancroft, Project Manager of the Burton Swans art trail project, said:

“The support we have received from local businesses across Burton upon Trent for our swan art trail project is amazing. I am a passionate believer in the value of community arts and this new project will help to increase the footfall in Burton as well as promote wellbeing for those taking part. I’d like to say a huge thank you to St. Modwen Homes for sponsoring one of the swans, which we hope will bring a lot of joy and happiness to the people in Burton upon Trent.”

In preparation for their takeover of the town, a mini-swan made a migratory pitstop to St. Modwen Homes’ Branston Leas development to say hello, before the rest of its flock arrive in the summer.