Big Dog Art Trail welcomes Imagine Cruising as headline sponsor

Imagine Cruising have put their paws up to be the headline sponsor for The Big Dog Art Trail in Swindon next year.

The award-winning travel agency, based in Royal Wootton Bassett, was the first company to sponsor one of 30 supersized balloon dog sculptures set to be unleashed across Swindon during the summer of 2023. 

The uniquely decorated Swindogs will create the UK’s first-ever balloon dog art trail and will raise essential funds for the local children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.

However, the team at Imagine have now decided they want to play an even bigger part in the project by sponsoring a second Swindog.

As the official Community Partner for the Big Dog Art Trail, the firm will help to deliver the trail to the communities of Swindon, bringing people together to enjoy the unique event.  

Imagine Cruising CEO Robin Deller said: “Imagine Cruising are delighted to be the Community Partner for The Big Dog Art Trail and to support this new and exciting community initiative in Swindon. 

"It is vital that we do all we can to raise awareness about Julia’s House children’s hospice charity and we’re thrilled to be doing so in such a fun and engaging way that brings art and culture to the heart of Swindon. We will be sponsoring not one but two of the Swindogs and can’t wait to see them on the trail.”

Imagine Cruising has supported Julia’s House for the past six years, reaching a fundraising milestone of £100,000 for the charity earlier this year. 

The team are fully invested in raising funds and awareness, from sponsoring and helping to design the multi-sensory room at the hospice to completing walks and cycle rides, and also inviting some of the Julia’s House parents to attend their events such as a gala dinner at Kensington Palace.

Mr Deller said: "We are continually humbled by the care and support that Julia’s House provides to local children and their families. Their tireless work provides hope and a little happiness for families in unthinkable situations and we are so very proud to sponsor them.”

Alice Chalmers, Corporate Fundraiser for Julia’s House, said: “We’re so pleased Imagine Cruising are going to be the Community Partner for The Big Dog Art Trail in Swindon next summer. It’s fantastic to have them involved in this really exciting project. 

"They have supported Julia’s House for many years and we’re so grateful for their ongoing dedication to the charity.” 

The Big Dog Art Trail will create a free walking trail through some of Swindon’s most well-loved and historic parks, landmarks and streets and will shine a light on art and culture in the heart of the town. 

As well as encouraging local residents to re-discover the town they love, the public art spectacle is expected to attract thousands of visitors from elsewhere, providing a welcome boost for local businesses.

Running from 15 July to 3 September 2023, the The Big Dog Art Trail will end with a grand farewell finale at which all of the two metre high Swindog sculptures will be brought together under one roof. 

The giant one-of-a-kind sculptures will then head off to their forever homes after being adopted at a special auction to raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospice. 

The Big Dog Art Trail is being brought to Swindon by Julia’s House and global public art producer Wild in Art, which has previously hosted trails in cities across the UK and worldwide, including the recent elephant parade in Worcester and Cows in Cambridge.

Details of how to sponsor a Swindog and join the Big Dog Art Trail can be found at www.bigdogarttrail.co.uk/sponsors