A spectacular lighthouse art trail is set to brighten the streets of Plymouth in 2026, uniting the community through creativity while raising much-needed funds and awareness for the compassionate end of life services St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth provides for patients and their loved ones.

St Luke’s Guiding Lights promises to be one of Devon’s most ambitious, must-see, family-friendly events for next summer. It will run for 10 weeks, culminating in a grand auction of the striking exhibited sculptures to the highest bidders.

Following in the footsteps of the highly successful Elmer’s Big Parade back in 2019, St Luke’s is teaming up once again with expert producers Wild in Art, this time to create a trail of up to 40 distinctive 2.4m tall lighthouses, each one uniquely designed and decorated by a professional artist and generously sponsored by a local business, organisation or individual.

The eye-catching artworks will be put on display in prime locations across Plymouth, creating a free, easily accessible promenade experience for adults and children of all ages, whether they already love art or are yet to discover its magical appeal, with the added bonus of prompting people to get up and get moving outdoors.

St Luke’s Guiding Lights launched this week (13 May 2025) with a reception at the Royal William Yard’s Ocean Studios where the first lighthouses were revealed. Renowned artist and St Luke’s patron Brian Pollard unveiled the striking design he has conceived and painted on one of the large sculptures that will take pride of place on the trail.

Meanwhile Mrs Murals (aka Plymouth artist Ellie Johnson) offered a sneak preview of the smaller-scale lighthouse she painted in seascape style that will be on the move promoting St Luke’s Guiding Lights over the coming months.

When the trail comes to an end, the lighthouse sculptures will be gathered together for a major viewing event, followed by a high-profile, edge-of-your-seat auction night, with proceeds from the sale of the original artworks, after costs, going directly to fund St Luke’s care.

Events Manager Georgina Dyke is leading on the project for St Luke’s. She said: “We’re thrilled to be staging such a prestigious event. It has very broad appeal and so many potential benefits, not only for St Luke’s, but for families, businesses, artists, and the city of Plymouth itself.

“We’re bursting with enthusiasm as we embark on this journey and certain that, with the support of our wonderful community, we can make sure Guiding Lights 2026 is a brilliant success.”

St Luke’s chief executive George Lillie said: “Seeing our organisation as a guiding light confirms St Luke’s commitment to shine a beacon of compassion across Plymouth and the surrounding area, not only supporting and advising patients and families, but also liaising with other health and care professionals to make sure everyone has the best end of life support possible.

“The lighthouse artworks will help illuminate the importance of hospice care in our community, lead people towards more open conversations about death and dying and encourage them to donate to support St Luke’s services, which are provided free of charge but receive minimal funding from the Government.”

Businesses, artists and schools are invited to get involved. Visit stlukesguidinglights.co.uk