Building on the success of the Easter EGGstravaganza Trail, and following consultation with local artists, Arun Inspires developed the LOVE Local brand to create a Christmas Trail placing the creativity of local schools and children at the heart of the town for Christmas 2022.

Local artists were invited to respond to an upcycling theme and create one of the verses from the 12 Days of Christmas carol with class groups at local primary and secondary schools.   We worked with art ambassadors from River Beach School to assess the applications and appoint artists to 9 local schools and a homeschooling group.

We worked with local traders and the Town Council to install the 12 pieces in shop windows across the town centre collect exciting Christmas prizes for those who completed the Trail. Miniature version of the children’s art were also created to decorate the town Christmas trees, to a brilliant response from the community.

Public workshops were also held at the Manor House in Littlehampton to create two of the window designs and broaden access to the project. In total more than 300 local children took part in the project.

Commissioned artists were: Shirley Bloomfield Davies, Ben Cavanagh, Tricia Johnson, Esther Heylen, Do Lawrie, Isobel Smith, Staci3, Lucy Seeds, Maureen Wells.

The Trail was launched at the town’s Christmas lights switch on event, when thousands people arrived to explore the late opening High Street.

Feedback from businesses:

‘We absolutely saw an increase in traffic outside and inside the shop.’

‘Seeing the kids excitement was so much fun.’

‘Our window definitely got a lot of attention.’

‘The display looked beautiful and perfectly complemented our business.’