2026: The Year to Shine Bright
Not a fan of the darker evenings? Here’s something lovely to look forward to (plus a chance to play your part)…
Back in the summer, you may remember seeing on our socials that we attended a very special launch event, where we were privy to the news that something exciting is on the horizon for Plymouth.
If you haven’t already heard, in summer 2026, the city is set to come alive with St Luke’s Guiding Lights.
In partnership with Wild in Art (the team who brought us the hugely popular Elmer’s Big Parade in 2019), the plan is for a spectacular trail of over 40 lighthouse sculptures, and each one will be uniquely designed by local and regional artists. What this means is that for ten weeks, Plymouth and its visitors will get to experience this free, family-friendly vision popping and pinging across the city.
Just picture it for a moment:
The bustling city centre streets, the sparkling waterfront, and tucked-away corners all glowing with these vibrant beacons of creativity. Pretty cool, right?
But we’re bringing this to your attention, because it’s more than just an art trail; Guiding Lights will help raise awareness of the compassionate care St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth provides to patients and families at the most difficult of times. It’s a joyful, creative celebration, but with a deeply meaningful purpose.
And when the trail draws to a close, the sculptures will take on a new life at a special auction, raising vital funds to help St Luke’s continue its work in end-of-life care.
A call to artists: be part of something inspiring.
This is where you come in.
St Luke’s is currently calling on local, regional, established, and emerging artists to bring their creativity to one of these 2.4-metre-high sculptures. Whether you’re a painter, illustrator, street artist, or designer, this is your chance to shine a light on your vision while contributing to something truly meaningful.
As an artist, your work will be:
Seen and celebrated by thousands of people across the city and beyond.
Showcased across official trail materials – from sculpture plaques to maps, the trail website, and even the app.
Recognised at the grand finale auction, where your sculpture will raise vital funds for St Luke’s.
Plus, selected artists will receive a £1,000 honorarium upon completion of their artwork.
Tempted? You’ll be in esteemed company, joining celebrated local artists Brain Pollard and Ellie Johnson AKA Mrs Murals, who have already unveiled bold and eye-catching designs for their trail lighthouses.
We can’t wait to see Plymouth glow with creativity, community spirit, and compassion in 2026. Together, let’s make Guiding Lights a trail to remember, one that celebrates talent, honours care, and brightens lives.
Interested in getting involved?
If you fancy being part of St Luke’s Guiding Lights, here’s what to do:
Download the Artist Pack for full details.
Complete the Artist Submission Form.
Submit your design by midnight on Monday 27th October 2025.
For questions or support with your application, please contact Jessica Wooller, Project Lead, at jwooller@stlukes-hospice.org.uk.
Photo credit: With thanks to Paul Slater
