Brighton Marina has announced its sponsorship of The Story Trail, a new public art installation launching in Brighton this autumn.
Organised by local charity, Amaze, in partnership with Wild in Art, The Story Trail will transform Brighton & Hove’s streets, parks and open spaces into an interactive storybook. The free, family-friendly trail will feature more than 30 giant BookBenches, alongside smaller benches decorated by local schools and community groups, with each adding a chapter to the city’s story.
Throughout the summer, Brighton Marina is serving as the official creative hub, housing all 67 BookBenches while local artists and community groups decorate them.
The trail will launch across the city on 12th September, with guests invited to discover all the benches using The Story Trail app. On the app, users will be able to make donations, access exclusive discounts and take part in fundraising events until November, when they will be auctioned to raise vital funds for Amaze.
As well as providing workshop space, Brighton Marina will host its own uniquely decorated BookBench. The mermaid-themed ‘Magic Tails of the Sea’ sculpture features a giant seashell on one side, and a mermaid cleaning up the ocean on the other, offering visitors an inspiring message against a scenic waterfront setting.
Amaze is a trusted independent charity providing information, advice and emotional and practical support to families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Sussex. It helps families access expert guidance, practical support and a vital community of others with similar experiences.
Louise Taylor, Centre Director at Brighton Marina, said: “We are delighted to sponsor The Story Trail and host all 67 benches while the artists work their magic.
“Amaze does incredible, life-changing work across the region, supporting families with disabled children. Providing space for these beautiful benches to be decorated, and ultimately hosting one ourselves, is a wonderful way to support the initiative. We look forward to welcoming guests to Brighton Marina as they explore the trail and encourage them to take a moment to pause, reflect and enjoy the wonderful waterfront views while sat on our BookBench.”
Hannah Allbrooke, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Amaze, said: “We are incredibly grateful for Brighton Marina’s support for The Story Trail. The Marina is fast becoming a family destination, and we are excited that it will be part of our sculpture trail. In Sussex, one in six families supports a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These daily challenges can feel isolating, but community support helps local families access the connection, understanding and expert guidance they need to thrive.”
For more information, please visit https://www.brightonmarina.co.uk/
