Businesses from across the region came together on Tuesday for a special inspiration event ahead of this year’s Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne. art trail.
Sponsors of our sculptures were invited to INNSiDE by Melia to hear from a variety of speakers about the power of art trails, the impact of their sponsorship and how to use their sponsorship opportunity to their advantage.
Steph Edusei, Chief Executive at St Oswald’s Hospice, warmly welcomed attendees and spoke about the difference an art trail makes to the Hospice.
Steph said
“The art trail is so important to us as a hospice – at a time when hospices are really challenged and facing a rise in costs which far outstrips the rate at which we can bring in income. It is about raising funds but it’s about far more than that. It’s about giving back to our communities, celebrating all the support they give us and giving people a free experience they can enjoy all summer long.”
Watch full video
John McCabe DL, Chief Executive at North East Chamber of Commerce, described the wider impact of art trails on the region and the benefits for trail goers and local businesses alike.
John said
“I can’t wait to see the streets festooned with Peter Rabbit and his friends in a few months’ time. Art trails attract new people into our region, boosting the local economy and helping to spread the word about how fantastic the North East is.
By getting involved, you are not only supporting the region, but you’re also supporting St Oswald’s Hospice, who serve our region so well, being here for people when they need it the most.”
Watch full video
Jane Hogan, Head of Fundraising at St Oswald’s Hospice, encouraged businesses to get out on the trail and engage with those taking part. Jane also shared the story of David Birdsey, a local man who found a new lease of life when he discovered the Snow Dogs sculptures.
Jane added, “I met David by chance when visiting a Snow Dog sculpture. At the time, David barely left his house however the Snowman and Snow Dog film was special to him since losing his brother at a young age, so he felt compelled to go out and see the sculptures.
David began to photograph them and since this trail in 2016, he has gone on to establish himself as a well-known photographer.
Engaging with people on the trail, seeing their reaction is a key part of reaping the benefits to your business as part of your sponsorship.”
Hannah Rowley, Marketing and Events Manager, at EMG Solicitors, reflected on previous art trails, with the company having sponsored a sculpture on every trail since 2016
Hannah shared
“The help and support we have received from the team has been invaluable in making the most of our sponsorship. We’ve been able to be really creative and have lots of fun.
When the team visited our offices with the large sculpture, it was a great way to get all of our colleagues excited and invested in the trail, and that was really important to us, as well as supporting the Hospice.
Community engagement is also important to us and we didn’t realise just how many people visit the trail from in and outside of the region. It is great to engage with people by visiting our sculpture, taking photos and with the app as well, the brand awareness element is huge.”
Watch full video
Last to take the stage were colleagues from Wild in Art, Julie Gaskell, Head of Partnerships and Sarah Harvey, Trail Director. They shared a detailed presentation packed with impact statistics from the Shaun on the Tyne art trail (2023) as well as ideas to engage staff and trail goers alike.
Julie also introduced the companion app, available to download and gives sponsors the chance to offer visitors to the trail free downloads, prizes and competitions – another way to boost data capture and engagement for the duration of the trail.
The event rounded off with a networking session, where attendees could connect with other sponsors, share ideas, and ask questions.
A huge thank you from our art trail team to all of our speakers for their time and input; it was a really valuable morning and a great way to kick off the countdown to the Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne.
If you haven’t confirmed your sponsorship yet, now is the time! We only have a limited amount of sculptures available and they are going quickly.
The sooner you get involved, the better your chance of securing your preferred design, and you’ll have longer to plan how you and your company will make the most of being part of Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne.
To explore sponsorship, please contact our team by emailing sponsors@talesonthetyne.org or visit Sponsors – Tales On The Tyne
Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne. art trail will launch in Newcastle and North Tyneside on Wednesday July 15th 2026.
