ARE you ready for the stampede? It’s on its way.

The long-anticipated date has finally been revealed for the colourful Herd in the City art trail, backed by the Echo.

The city will be filled with a stunning herd of elephants in aid of Havens hospices.

More than 45 elephant sculptures will be bringing some colour and fun to Southend with the Herd in the City event from Friday, July 14, to Monday September 4.

The charity art trial created by Havens Hospices and Wild In Art will see 45 large sculptures and 70 mini herds pop up in the streets of Southend, Leigh and Shoebury in this summer.

Echo:

The Echo is media partner for the event which will see stunning large elephants being sponsored by a city business and painted by a professional artist in varying styles.

The 70 mini herds of baby elephants, have been adopted and decorated by a school or community group, making art accessible to all as part of the event.

Rachel Hawksworth, project manager for Havens Hospices, said: “We are so excited to officially announce the dates our parade of elephants will be standing proud amongst Southend’s iconic attractions, bringing colour and fun to the city.

Echo:

“Herd in the City will offer everyone a great day out, exploring parts of the city they may not have visited before, as well as raise thousands of pounds for the free, specialist hospice care Havens Hospices provides for local adults, children, and their families.”

At the end of the trail, the elephants will be sold at auction, once again raising money for Havens Hospices. This follows the success of the charity’s Hares About Town trail in 2021, which raised more than £447,000 for the hospice care.

The decision to focus on elephants for this project was made by colleagues working and volunteering at Havens hospices.

Havens hospices includes Fair Havens in Southend, and Little Havens, the children’s hospice for Essex based in Benfleet.

The care provided by the charity is completely free of charge, thanks to the generosity of individuals and groups, raising money and making donations.

n Herd In The City is being backed by organisations including Southend Council, BTMK Solicitors, Method IT, Ayers and Cruiks and c2c, Rickard Luckin, Atlantic Pacific, Main Media and 6rs.