Artists from Burnham-On-Sea area hope to replicate some of the success of Bristol’s Gromit trail by launching a mini lighthouse trail across the town this summer.
HABA (Highbridge and Burnham Artists) is overseeing the project to build over thirty 6ft-tall replicas of Burnham’s iconic beach lighthouse which will be installed across the town from May.
Nine of the colourful lighthouses have already been completed, as pictured here, with work underway on the others.
The Lighthouse Trail will raise funds for charity and it is hoped they’ll also attract visitors into the town.
The decorated lighthouses will be located at prominent sites in Burnham, Brean, Lympsham, Watchfield and Highbridge.
They are being built at Woodberry Brothers and Haines in Highbridge, which is providing the materials and workshop space for free.
The work is being led by Paul Plume, who told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The first batch of lighthouses are fantastic – there are some super themes that are really imaginative.”
“Having started the project last year, I’m really proud to see the decorated lighthouses arriving – they lool great! We’ve been building them since December and have them all built and out with local artists and schools for painting, so everything is on track for a May launch.”
HABA’s Sarah Berryman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We saw the success of the Gromit trail in Bristol and thought it would be great to have a trail here in Burnham. Our lighthouse is unique to Burnham and perfect for this project.”
Funds will be raised by cash collections at each of the lighthouses plus from sponsors and the sale of trail maps across the town.
The lighthouse trail is scheduled to launch on May 3rd at The Lighthouse Inn in Burnham and the structures will then be moved to their locations.
The lighthouses will be installed in supermarkets, shops, tourist destinations, holiday camps and one will be at Burnham’s Marine Cove.
The work is being led by Paul Plume, right, with the help of Les Roper
