Swindogs bid farewell to Swindon in Steam Museum event

The world’s first ever balloon dog art trail saw the impressive dogs and pups brighten up the town for a full seven weeks in a bid to raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospice.

But now, the 30 Swindogs and 42 Swinpups have been gathered together at the Steam Museum for one final farewell party before being auctioned off on Tuesday, September 19.

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The trail has been well received in Swindon, with more than 23,000 people taking part and walking a total of 13,500 miles to see the sculptures.

Mike Bartlett, the deputy chief executive at Julia’s House, said: “I think it’s been amazing, we’ve had more than 20,000 people walk the trail and 1,000 people have collected all of the sculptures.

“We’ve got lots of school and companies involved so it’s great, families can enjoy it and get active and then an event like this allows everyone to come and see them in one place.

“We’re hoping for about 1,000 people over the weekend, the Swindogs have been so well received.”

As well as bringing some colour and joy to the town, the sculptures have also raised vital funds for the children’s hospice, which relies on public support for over 90 per cent of its funding.

Mr Bartlett added: “I’ve been so delighted with how everyone has got involved and obviously all the proceeds come to Julia’s House, which is a vital community organisation looking after the most seriously ill children in Swindon and Wiltshire.”

The Swindogs were designed by both local and national artists, while the Swinpups were designed by schoolchildren and community groups from around the town.

The Papillon Swindog, which was designed by Caroline Parrott and based in Lydiard Park’s Rose Garden, was voted best in show.

The sculpture boasted 3,864 hand-painted and hand-cut aluminium butterflies and took nine months to complete.

Earlier this week Ms Parrott told the Adver: "Papillon is the biggest challenge in my work I’ve ever created, so I’m immensely proud he’s been voted top dog.

"It’s been a great way to highlight Julia’s House. I helped to care for my Dad throughout the nine months I worked on Papillon.

"It highlighted to me even more how important charities like Julia’s House are for providing support and respite for families."