09 Dec Art trail shines brightly in Harwich and Dovercourt
A TRAIL of stars is shining brightly throughout Harwich and Dovercourt as part of a festive community art trail.
Hundreds of beautifully hand-decorated stars, each created by schoolchildren from the local area, have been displayed as part of the Harwich Stars 2023 project.
Sponsored by Harwich-based Galloper Wind Farm Ltd, this community art project was first launched and managed by KAT Marketing two years ago and is back again to bring a touch of Christmas magic to Harwich and Dovercourt.
Until Tuesday 2nd January 2024, pupils, their families and visitors to the area can follow the trail and visit the stars, displayed in the windows and shopfronts of businesses, many of which are joining in the merriment for a second year.
Star locations, which include venues within Old Harwich, Barrack Lane, Dovercourt High Street and beyond, can be found on a downloadable trail map available at www.galloperwindfarm.com. Completely free, the trail gives everyone the chance to visit and enjoy the stars on their festive walks and Christmas shopping sessions this year. There is also the chance to share images and videos and stay up to date by tracking #HarwichStars.
The community initiative invited primary school pupils to create their own unique artworks which can be enjoyed by shoppers searching for Christmas presents in the area.
Already a favourite part of the festive season locally, the popular art trail has been supported by Harwich-based Galloper Wind Farm Ltd both this year and in 2021. The wind farm, which is located about 30km off the coast, consists of 56 wind turbines which generate enough energy to power 444,000 homes each year.
Ben Donald, General Manager of Galloper Wind Farm, said: “We’re delighted to support and sponsor Harwich Stars again and it’s great to see the festive trail back in Harwich and Dovercourt for 2023. It’s always lovely to have all local primary schools involved in the fun and creativity; free community projects like this are a real celebration of everything our towns have to offer, especially in the lead up to Christmas.”
Headteacher of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Dovercourt, Mrs Maguire, commented: “St Joseph’s was happy to get involved in the Harwich Stars project again this year and it’s been wonderful to see the Year 5 and 6 pupils getting creative decorating the stars with festive designs. We’re all looking forward to going out and visiting the stars in the venues over the next month.”
Adrian Pitham-Cole, Owner of Deli 141 in Dovercourt High Street, said “Having joined in with previous Harwich Stars and Eggsplorers trails in recent years, we were pleased to be involved with the fun again. The pupils’ stars look great hanging in the window for all to see and we love to see families coming to visit, following the trail map, and adding to the town’s sense of community spirit.”
