Children's services
Summer of activities launched for young people to shape upcoming Hippo Art Trail
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Young people across the borough of Walsall are being invited to take part in a series of creative sessions to help shape a new hippo-themed art trail which will be on display next year.
Walsall Council, in partnership with Urban Hax CIC and RicNic, will be delivering a series of sessions throughout the summer holidays aimed at children and young people across the borough.
The Hippo Project is a borough wide creative health initiative that will engage children, young people and families through arts, storytelling and community activity. The project aims to improve health, wellbeing and family engagement, while creating a lasting community asset through a series of Hippo Trails across the four Best Start Family Hub areas.
“ I am delighted to be launching this new creative project, and it’s great to see art, culture and creativity form such a key part of our regeneration plans. This project is an excellent opportunity for children, families and young people to come together, share in Walsall’s heritage and be a part of something really exciting. I can’t wait to see the sculptures take shape over the coming months, and to launch the trail next year. “
The art trail is inspired by the hippo statue, which was once a popular meeting point in Walsall Town Centre. The statue now resides in front of the Lichfield Street Hub and has inspired the upcoming art trail, bringing another piece of Walsall’s heritage into the present day for a new generation to enjoy.
A series of workshops for children and young people across the borough, from art sessions to storytelling workshops. The resulting work will be used to shape the stories and designs for the 2027 Hippo Trail. All of the session are free to attend. Parents can find out more and book onto a session via the RicNic website.
This project has been funded by the UK Government through the Community Regeneration Partnership.
Sessions at a glance:
- 24 July – Drama & Storytelling Workshop for ages 5-12 (West Family Hub)
- 8 August – Hippo Trail Family Fun Day (Walsall Arboretum)
- 13–17 August – Creative Sessions for Under 5s (Family Hubs across Walsall)
- 19 August – Script Writing & Storyboard Session for ages 10-16 (All Saints Church Hall, Bloxwich)
