5th July 2026/Gabby Nott: – A spectacular line-up of more than 40 show-stopping lighthouse sculptures will map out a magical journey through the streets of Britain’s Ocean City this summer in a bold and joyful project that matches art and discovery with compassion and community.
St Luke’s Guiding Lights art trail promises to be one of Devon’s must-see, family-friendly events running right through the holiday season, from 6 July to 13 September. The eye-catching 2.4m tall lighthouses – each one designed and decorated by an accomplished individual artist, and many sponsored by big-hearted local businesses – will be on display in prime locations across Plymouth, creating an exciting free promenade experience for all ages.
Whether you are a seasoned art lover or simply looking for a fun day out by the sea, the free trail will be colourful, joyful, accessible and inclusive, gently encouraging people to get outdoors, get moving, and explore their surroundings.
Artists Mrs Murals and Brian Pollard with their lighthouse sculptures
MORE THAN ART: RAISING FUNDS FOR COMPASSIONATE CARE
Following in the footsteps of the highly successful Elmer’s Big Parade back in 2019, St Luke’s has teamed up once again with seasoned producers Wild in Art to create a striking visual trail that acknowledges Plymouth’s maritime history and celebrates the lighthouse as a beacon of hope and safety.
Alongside the fun of the trail, that association dovetails with the ultimate aim of the project – to raise vital funds and increase awareness to support the expert end of life care St Luke’s provides for patients and their families, not only across the city but also in towns and villages of West Devon, Dartmoor and the South Hams.
After being on show to the public for 10 weeks, the sculptures will find their permanent homes when they go under the hammer at a grand auction finale.
Emelie Susie – The Beautiful Mind artist introduces her lighthouse and why supporting St Luke’s is so important to her –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pffxxYuiWk&t=6s
ARTISTS INSPIRED BY PLYMOUTH, PEOPLE AND PERSONAL STORIES
Guiding Lights was launched last year with the unveiling of the trail’s first full-size lighthouse, a vibrant homage to Plymouth and its people by celebrated artist Brian Pollard, a patron of St Luke’s, alongside a smaller scale sea-inspired creation by popular local mural painter Mrs Murals, which has been on the road inspiring creators and supporters.
Hundreds of artists submitted their visions to transform one of the blank white lighthouses into imaginative showpieces that will stop people in their tracks. An experienced panel whittled down the sea of submissions to a shortlist of 80, and these designs were shared with sponsors and the Guiding Lights team to make the final selection for the trail.
For her full-size sculpture Mrs Murals (aka Ellie Johnson) took a deep dive into the vulnerable marine life and beautiful environment of Plymouth Sound. She said: “It’s great to create something so large and impactful alongside so many really incredible artists. I feel honoured to take part in such a fantastic and important project.”
Mrs Murals and her lighthouse
Alice Nimmo, a University of Plymouth illustration graduate, whose mother was cared for by St Luke’s rooted her design in the timeless nature of caregiving and an inspirational trip to see the friezes of Pompeii.
She said: “I really want to pay tribute to what St Luke’s does for patients and their families. That very human care means a lot.”
Alice Nimmo and her lighthouse
People can decide whether to pull out all the stops and complete the trail in one long day or slow things down and view the lighthouses in shorter bursts.
UNLOCK THE EXPERIENCE WITH THE GUIDING LIGHTS APP
A dedicated Guiding Lights interactive app (available to download for Apple or Android for £1.99), will enhance the experience with access to maps, a pedometer and insider information, as well as help you log your lighthouse milestones and unlock tempting reward codes from sponsors. Printed maps will be available from Plymouth Tourist Information Centre and most St Luke’s charity shops for a suggested £2 donation.
Download the Guiding Lights app now
GUIDING LIGHTS MERCHANDISE
There’s a fantastic selection of trail merchandise available, including Sticker Books, pin badges, Lukey The Lighthouse story books, tea towels, lighthouse bracelets, Paint Your Own Lighthouse kits, postcards and canvas bags. Find them in the Plymouth Tourist Information Centre and St Luke’s charity shops in Plymouth city centre and on the Barbican.
LITTLE LIGHTS SCHOOLS PROJECT
Running alongside the main trail are two exciting offshoots each featuring 1m tall lighthouses – the Little Lights schools project and an outreach exhibition travelling to assorted Devon locations.
The Guiding Lights team worked with 42 education establishments across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall, engaging with children and young people. As well as using educational resources to have conversations around death and dying, breaking down traditional taboos, pupils from each school and college have decorated a bespoke lighthouse in their own original style.
These special sculptures will be on display at The Box, Plymouth, from 7 July until 13 September, surrounded by the city museum and gallery’s permanent collection in an exclusive indoor trail, heralded by a stunning full-scale lighthouse sculpture outside on Tavistock Place. Watch out for lighthouse themed events at the Box through the school holidays.
OUR ROAMING EXHIBITION
Trail enthusiasts won’t want to miss the roaming show of 10 artist-designed, individually sponsored sculptures that will tour selected venues over the summer weeks in areas of Devon served by St Luke’s nursing teams. These include the Tap House, Salcombe; in Kingsbridge, the Harbour House Gallery, Velarde Gallery and Kingsbridge Library; Dartmoor Zoo; St Luke’s charity shop, Tavistock; and across the Tamar at Mount Edgcumbe, Barrow Centre, Cremyll (Cornwall).
FAREWELL WEEKEND AND AUCTION
All the lighthouses, large and small, will be gathered together for a farewell weekend exhibition, from 25-27 September, at the Market Hall, Devonport, Plymouth. Tickets, with scheduled visiting slots, will be available from St Luke’s Guiding Lights website nearer the time.
The Guiding Lights auction takes place on 1 October at the University of Plymouth, when the large and roaming sculptures will be sold to the highest bidders. All profits from the sales will go directly to fund the compassionate care St Luke’s delivers in people’s own homes and at the hospice’s specialist unit at Turnchapel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd1pI-A370M&t=4s
St Luke’s Guiding Lights Presenting Partner – Morgan Sindall Construction
OUR PRESENTING PARTNER
Morgan Sindall Construction are the Presenting Partner for St Luke’s Guiding Lights. They said: “Morgan Sindall Construction is delighted to be supporting St Luke’s Guiding Lights art trail and auction in Plymouth, an initiative that brings creativity, community spirit, and meaningful storytelling to the heart of the city.
“From our local office in Plymouth, we have proudly delivered improved public realm projects across the city centre, including Armada Way, Royal Parade, Old Town Street, and New George Street. These projects have created more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant spaces for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Our next projects include the refurbishment of the flagship Civic Centre and a new facility at Oceansgate.
“Supporting the Guiding Lights Trail reflects our commitment to enhancing places and celebrating the people and causes that make Plymouth unique, while helping raise awareness for St Luke’s vital services across the local community. We at Morgan Sindall are proud to contribute positively and leave a lasting legacy through partnerships like this for future generations to enjoy.”
GUIDING LIGHTS RAFFLE
Alongside the trail we will be running our Guiding Lights raffle, giving you the chance to win one of our roaming lighthouses. Tickets cost just £5 each with all proceeds going directly to support our care services across the Plymouth and surrounding areas. The prizes are as follows:
1st Prize: x 1 Roaming Lighthouse
2nd Prize: 1 night stay, dinner (up to value of £100) and Bed and Breakfast for 2 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel
3rd Prize: St Luke’s Guiding Lights Merchandise Bundle
The Raffle draw will be held during our Farewell Weekend on Sunday 27 September 2026. The closing date for ticket sales will be the 22 September 2026. You can buy tickets online here.
Members of the St Luke’s Guiding Lights team, Project lead Jessica Wooller and Events Manager Georgina Dyke
ST LUKE’S GUIDING LIGHTS IS READY TO SHINE THIS SUMMER
Events manager Georgina Dyke is leading on the project for St Luke’s. She said: “We’re bursting with enthusiasm as we embark on this journey and certain that, with the support of our wonderful community, we can make sure Guiding Lights 2026 is a brilliant success.”
FAQS
What is St Luke’s Guiding Lights?
St Luke’s Guiding Lights is a public art trail featuring more than 40 large lighthouse sculptures displayed across Plymouth. The trail celebrates creativity, community and Plymouth’s maritime heritage while raising funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.
How long will the Guiding Lights trail run for?
The trail runs from Monday 6 July to Sunday 13 September 2026.
Where does the trail take place?
The full-size lighthouse sculptures will be displayed in prominent locations across Plymouth city centre. Additional smaller sculptures can be found at The Box, Plymouth, from 7 July until 13 September and our roaming lighthouses will be at the following locations:
- Salcombe Brewery Tap House | 6–19 July
- Kingsbridge (3 locations: Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge Library & Velarde Gallery) | 20 July–2 August
- St Luke’s charity shop, Tavistock | 3–16 August
- Dartmoor Zoo | 17–30 August
- Cremyll, Mount Edgcumbe, Barrow Centre | 31 August–13 September
Who designed the lighthouse sculptures?
Each lighthouse has been transformed by a talented artist, with designs selected from hundreds of submissions. Many of the sculptures have also been sponsored by local businesses and organisations.
Is there an app for the trail?
Yes. The Guiding Lights app is available for Apple and Android devices and costs £1.99 to download. It includes maps, a pedometer, sculpture information, milestone tracking and exclusive sponsor rewards.
Where can I get a printed map?
Printed maps will be available from Plymouth Tourist Information Centre and most St Luke’s charity shops for a suggested donation of £2
How can I find out more?
Find out more on the St Luke’s Guiding Lights website.
Learn more about St Luke’s Guiding Lights
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