A moat-ally spectacular art trail to take over Swansea in summer 2023

Over 40 giant Castle sculptures will be decorating the streets of Swansea in one of the largest mass-participant events ever to be held in the city.

Wales Air Ambulance, Wales’ only dedicated air ambulance charity, has today announced that they will be hosting the first ever Wild in Art trail in Swansea. This is the first time an air ambulance charity has taken the helm of a Wild in Art project, an initiative which has become an international success story in raising charitable funds through its creative and community-focused public art.

‘Castles in the Sky’ is a spectacular public art event heading to Swansea in summer 2023. The event intertwines Welsh culture, art and history – something the people of Wales are extremely proud of. Over 40 giant Castles and 30 miniature Castles, will form a trail of discovery across Swansea from Saturday 8 July until Saturday 16 September 2023, encouraging local people to explore and enjoy their city from an exciting new perspective.

Local artists, businesses, schools and community groups are all invited to be part of this moat-ally unique event which will deliver significant economic, social and cultural impacts whilst raising vital funds for Wales Air Ambulance.

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Charity Chief Executive, said: “The Wales Air Ambulance Charity is delighted to host a Wild in Art trail, the first of its kind in Swansea. Our Castles in the Sky trail will bring people together through a love of Welsh history and art.

“We aim to deliver lifesaving, advanced medical care to people across Wales, whenever and wherever they need it. But without your support, our Charity wouldn’t exist. Together we can continue to serve the people of Wales and save lives.
“Please support our Castles in the Sky trail and help us to bring it to life.”

Each giant Castle, measuring over 2 metres tall, will be individually sponsored by a business, designed by a Welsh artist and will have its own tale to tell, celebrating the vibrancy, culture and creativity that Swansea has to offer. Schools, colleges and youth groups are also invited to join the fun through adopting a miniature castle ‘a little keep-sake’ as part of a county-wide Learning Programme.

The 10-week art trail will be delivered in partnership with creative producers, Wild in Art, and is supported by Principal Partner, Swansea Business Improvement District (Bid).

Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea Bid said: “I believe Castles in the Sky will be one of the most fun and ambitious art projects the city has ever seen. Swansea Bid is thrilled to be the Principal Partner.”

Businesses, individuals and regional organisations who want to give it some more ‘fort’ are invited to join a Sponsorship Launch event on Wednesday 14 September in Swansea. To register your interest please email hello@swanseacastles.co.uk.

Residents and visitors, of all ages, are invited to get involved and explore the trail using a bespoke map and mobile app. The event is expected to create a feel-good factor, promote well-being and get people outdoors.

After entertaining and bringing communities together the legacy of Castles in the Sky will continue, as many of the sculptures will take centre stage at a glittering auction to raise vital funds for Wales Air Ambulance.

Wild in Art has a track record of delivering world-class events that entertain, enrich, inform and leave a lasting legacy. To date, its events have contributed more than £19 million to charitable causes and helped millions of people to experience art in non-traditional settings.

Charlie Langhorne, Wild in Art Managing Director and Co-founder said: “We are very excited to be working with Wales Air Ambulance to produce Castles in the sky, which we hope has a very positive impact”.

Get involved and ‘keep’ in touch via www.swanseacastles.co.uk or register your interest in becoming a sponsor, taking part in the Learning Programme or submitting a design contact the Castles in the Sky team on hello@swanseacastles.co.uk