The excitement around The Big Dog Art trail is building as another sponsor finds a home for a Swindog.
Joining the pack are housebuilders Persimmon, who are currently developing homes on a number of sites in Swindon including Stanton Chase and Badbury Park.
They are the latest to sponsor one of 30 Swindogs – larger than life balloon dog sculptures that will be placed around Swindon this summer.
The UK’s first-ever balloon dog art trail will raise essential funds for the local children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.
“We are delighted to be able to show our support to Julia’s House children’s hospice through our sponsorship of The Big Dog Art Trail.
“Persimmon has a significant presence across Wiltshire – where Julia’s House does so much good for local families – and we’re proud to be able to play our part in raising awareness of the fantastic work undertaken by the charity.
“As a local housebuilder, we want to leave a positive lasting legacy within the communities where we build locally, and we can think of no better cause than supporting Julia’s House through our Community Champions initiative.
“We look forward to meeting with the well-known local artist who will be uniquely decorating the Persimmon sculpture, and to seeing the community in Swindon enjoying this colourful trail over the summer months as we all get behind Julia’s House children’s hospice.”
Sales Director for Persimmon Wessex, Pauline Fletcher

The Big Dog Art Trail is being brought to Swindon by Julia’s House and global public art producer Wild in Art, who has previously hosted trails in cities across the UK and worldwide.
South Swindon Parish Council looks after a number of parks in Swindon, including Town Gardens and Queens Park, where sculptures will be hosted.
The council has been instrumental in ensuring the trail takes place and will be supporting with events throughout the summer.
Councillor Neil Hopkins, South Swindon Parish Council, Chair of Leisure, Environment and Amenities, joined the Persimmon team in meeting the first painted Swindog sculpture at Badbury Park.
“I am delighted to have been invited to join this Swindog launch event at what is to be South Swindon Parish Council’s new Badbury Park Community Hub and Children’s library, which was built by Persimmon.
“Swindogs will be appearing in parks and public spaces in South Swindon Parish and other parts of Swindon from July, and we wish Julia’s House every success in raising substantial funds through this exciting event.”
Coun Neil Hopkins, South Swindon Parish Council, Chair of Leisure, Environment and Amenities

The Big Dog Art Trail will run from 15 July to 3 September, 2023, and end with a grand farewell weekend where all of the stunning Swindog sculptures will be brought together under one roof.
The giant one-of-a-kind creations will then head off to their forever homes after being adopted at a special auction event to raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospice.
“It is brilliant to have Persimmon supporting the trail by sponsoring one of our Swindogs.
“They play a key role in the Swindon community and we are proud to be one of their Community Champions.
“We’d also like to thank South Swindon Parish Council for their fantastic support of the event and with their help, it is guaranteed to be something all Swindon residents can be proud of.”
Chris Hyde, Project Manager for The Big Dog Art Trail
There is still a chance for you and your business to sponsor a Swindog and be seen by thousands of visitors in Swindon this summer.
Join the conversation
#BigDogArtTrail
bigdogarttrail
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bigdogarttrail
Sep 29
Of the thousands of you who came and enjoyed The Big Dog Art Trail 2023 – we had many a smile, and a selfie!
Here some of the top tail-wagging pics we had sent in 🐶
Find out what exciting plans we have next by following us @JuliasHouseChildrensHospice or by signing up to our newsletter.
Link in our bio or here: www.juliashouse.org/BigDog
#bigdogarttrail #thebigdogarttrail2023 #wildinart #juliashousechildrenshospice #juliashousehospice #swindonarttrail #swindog #bbcwiltshire #bbcwest #visitengland #visituk #visitswindon #igersswindon #swindonsmallbusiness #swindonbusiness #swindonvolunteers #swindonlife #swindonartist #wiltshire #visitwiltshire …
bigdogarttrail
Sep 28
Bow-Wow what a summer it’s been! We’re so grateful for all of you who came along to enjoy the trail this year.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane on some of the trail’s top dog moments, including:
🐾 Hours of painstaking BTS scenes with our incredible artists hard at work
🐾 An exciting launch weekend
🐾 Fun in the sun on our Sponsor Selfie day
🐾 Farewell Weekend filled with all the pups back together again
🐾 Our Grand Auction, where we raised more than £165k for the incredible @JuliasHouseChildrensHospice
Thank you Swindon – we couldn`t have done it without you!
Don`t forget to follow @JuliasHouseChildrensHospice or sign up to our newsletter to find out what exciting plans we have next!
Link in our bio
#bigdogarttrail #thebigdogarttrail2023 #wildinart #juliashousechildrenshospice #juliashousehospice #swindonarttrail #swindog #swinpup #swindonsummer #outdoorconcerts #pimmsfestival #pimmsinthepark #swindonevents …
bigdogarttrail
Sep 27
Pup, pup and away!
They`ve loved their adventures across town, but the time has come for the Swinpups to go back home…
One of the most magical parts of The Big Dog Art Trail has been seeing the joy and creativity that the sculptures sparked in schools and community groups across Swindon.
We`re so grateful to every single teacher, leader, student, artist and supporter who helped to create the 42 Swinpups that made the trail absolutely paw-some.
And a special thanks to Swindon Borough Council, the trail`s Learning Programme Partner.
Get all the pup-dates and find out what`s next for Julia`s House by following @JuliasHouseChildrensHospice or by signing up to our newsletter. Link in our story. …
bigdogarttrail
Sep 24
The Big Dog Art Trail isn’t just about tail-wagging fun and stunning art…🐾
The trail supports the essential work of your local children’s hospice, Julia’s House, who offer practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with life-threatening or life-shortening conditions.
Thanks to your contributions to the trail this year, we’ve been able to raise vital funds to help Julia’s House provide a lifeline of care to the most seriously ill children and their families in Swindon and Wiltshire.
This will help more families access:
⭐ Emotional and practical support from expert nurses and carers
⭐ Respite sessions so they can take a break from caring around the clock
⭐ Bereavement advice and support
You can find out more about Julia’s House families and events by signing up to our newsletter here/via the link in our bio: www.juliashouse.org/BigDog
@JuliasHouseChildrensHospice
#bigdogarttrail #thebigdogarttrail2023 #wildinart #juliashousechildrenshospice #juliashousehospice #swindonarttrail #swindog #swinpup …
bigdogarttrail
Sep 23
If you missed out at our auction and would love a mini balloon dog of your own, we`ve got a paws-itively fab offer from @YappieDogs to share!
When you use promo code JH10, you`ll get 10% off their colourful range of resin balloon dogs. Plus Yappie Dogs will also donate £10 to Julia`s House on your behalf.
Just head to their website and enter the promo code JH10 to redeem the offer: www.yappiedogs.com
#bigdogarttrail #balloondogs #yappiedogs …
bigdogarttrail
Sep 20
Drumroll please… the results from our Grand Auction are in! 🥁
We had an incredible evening and bid-tastic time at the STEAM museum – raising a woofing £165,800 for @Juliashousechildrenshospice 🐶
All 34 auctioned Swindogs have now gone to their fur-ever homes to unleash a new life.
Thanks so much to everyone who bid on the night! Your support will help us continue to provide our lifeline of care to local families of seriously ill children.
#JuliasHouse #WildinArt @wildinart …