Snowdogs: Tails in Wales is open

An art sculpture trail to raise money for a children’s hospice is set to get tails wagging across south Wales next weekend.

Snowdogs: Tails in Wales will be the biggest ever mass-participation public art trail in Wales, highlighting the iconic landmarks and stunning open spaces and boosting the local economy in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

The event has been organised by children’s hospice charity Tŷ Hafan, public art producers Wild in Art and Penguin Random House. The theme was inspired by The Snowman™ and the Snowdog, the animated sequel to Raymond Briggs’ iconic book and film The Snowman™.

Before going out on their walkies, each Snowdog was named and decorated with its own unique design. The designs came from both amateur and well-known artists including Julian McDonald OBE and Steven Brown. There will also be 57 pups on the trail which have been designed by local schools and community clubs.

Each Snowdog is sponsored by a local business and individually designed by a different artist, and they are all on a mission to raise much-needed funds for Tŷ Hafan to support children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

More than 40 of the mighty mutts will be located across the region’s most iconic hotspots, streets and open spaces.

Project Manager Helen Gibbons said:

“This is one of our most exciting campaigns ever, as the Snowdogs trail will form part of everyday life for ten weeks, with the giant dogs visible on the streets, parks, beaches and iconic buildings.

“As well as raising money for children with life-limiting conditions, taking part in the trail will encourage friends and families to spend time together, exploring their favourite places around Cardiff and the Vale and rediscovering some of the areas hidden gems.

“At the hospice, one of our main goals is to enable families to make precious memories that last a lifetime – and that’s what we believe the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales trail will mean for families across south Wales, creating a shared experience for the whole community.”

Members of the public can follow the trail by downloading the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales app or by following the map which will be available from Tŷ Hafan shops, Visit Cardiff outlets and also downloadable from the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales website. Following the interactive scamper across the city, the 1.5m tall sculptures will be on display at the Capitol centre between 8 and 10 December for a farewell weekend before being un-leashed for bidding at auction on 12 December to raise money for the hospice.

For more information or to get involved, please visit www.snowdogstailsin.wales