Brighton and Hove's First Storybook Art Trail Opens Soon

Brighton and Hove is getting a new outdoor art exhibition this coming autumn, with giant BookBench sculptures popping up across local streets, parks, and open spaces. Running from 12 September 2026 to 8 November 2026, The Story Trail is a free, family-friendly gallery designed like an interactive storybook. The project is organised by Sussex charity Amaze in partnership with art producers Wild in Art, bringing over 30 large benches painted by local artists to the area, alongside smaller benches created by regional schools and community groups, making 67 sculptures in total.

Throughout the summer, Brighton Marina is acting as the main creative hub for the project, storing and hosting the full collection while the artists and community groups finish their designs. The marina will also feature its own permanent piece for the trail, titled Magic Tails of the Sea by artist Claire Havell. This specific sculpture features a giant seashell alongside a mermaid ocean cleanup scene, focused on marine conservation. Once the main trail concludes in November, all 67 benches will be gathered together for a final display during the Farewell Weekend from 27 to 29 November 2026. The larger pieces will then be auctioned off on 30 November 2026 to raise money for Amaze, while the smaller benches will return to the school and community groups who decorated them.

To help visitors navigate the trail, digital partner DabApps has built The Story Trail app, which includes locations for every bench, event updates, fundraising options, and partner discounts. A printed map and an accessibility guide are also scheduled for release before the September launch. Ahead of the official opening, several key events are set for August, including a colour-in BookBench unveiling on 20 August 2026 and a volunteer taster session on 24 August 2026. Following the trail's launch, a Once Upon a Trail event is scheduled for 28 October 2026.

The project aims to raise funds and awareness for Amaze, an independent charity offering practical advice, guidance, and support to families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0–25 across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex. Official sponsorship for the event comes from Brighton Marina, with additional backing from local organisations including PH Beck, Brighton and Hove Museums, Renaissance Group, Plus Accounting, and Star Community Housing, with author Julia Donaldson joining as a judge for the writing entries. updates and artwork previews are available on their official Facebook page and Instagram account.