Wales Air Ambulance is calling for sponsors to join one of the most exciting public art trails the city of Swansea has ever seen. Have you ever imagined owning your own castle? Well now you can.

Businesses, schools and community groups are being encouraged to support the free family event, that will take place next July, by a sponsoring a castle which will help to raise vital funds for Wales Air Ambulance.

The Wild in Art Castles in the Sky trail will see over 40 large castles and 30 miniatures dotted across Swansea next summer and aims to attract locals and visitors into the city. Each giant castle, measuring over 2 metres tall, will be designed by a Welsh artist and will have its own tale to tell, celebrating the vibrancy, culture and creativity that Swansea has to offer.

The 10-week trail aims to connect businesses, artists, the public and community partners across the city providing a new, innovative, and uniquely creative avenue for collaboration.

Wales’ only dedicated air ambulance charity, Wales Air Ambulance, is taking the helm of the Wild in Art project, an initiative which has become an international success story in raising charitable funds through its creative and community-focused public art.

The unique art trail gives sponsors the opportunity to get involved in something completely different, whilst raising and boosting their business profile in the city and facilitating new stakeholder relationships.

In return, sponsors will receive a range of positive and exciting PR opportunities, brand profile and positioning, logos displayed on sculptures and a variety of promotional materials including the trail app and website. Businesses will also be invited to exclusive events along with other Castles in the Sky sponsors and will be helping to raise vital funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.  

Back in 2018 Woodforde’s Brewery took the opportunity to be involved in their local Wild in Art trail, GoGoHares.

Judi-mare Alderton, Head of Marketing at Woodforde’s Brewery, said: “GoGoHares was just a lovely event to be a part of, raising money for a local charity and helping bring communities and businesses together.

“We’ve had lots of people visit us to see our amazing Hare sculpture, some just to take a photo, but a good amount who visited the pub and had a drink or meal too, which was obviously great for business.

“Overall, we were just really pleased to be part of Norwich’s now famous art sculpture events and felt blessed that the trail encompassed part of our beautiful country.”

The Charity relies on charitable donations to raise £8 million each year to keep the helicopters flying in Wales. The charity does not receive funding from the National Lottery or direct funding from the government.

It provides vital 24/7 emergency air cover for those who face life-threatening illness or injuries and is the only air ambulance charity based in and dedicated to Wales.

The Castles in the Sky trail takes place from Saturday, 8 July until Saturday, 16 September 2023 and will be delivered in partnership with creative producers, Wild in Art, and is supported by Principal Partner, Swansea Business Improvement District (Bid). 

Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea Bid, said he felt there were a huge number of incentives and benefits to getting involved in the project.

He said: “I believe Castles in the Sky will be one of the most fun and ambitious art projects the city has ever seen. It is a fantastic opportunity to bring the city together and connect businesses, artists and residents through the power of creativity and innovation.

“The project will leave a long-lasting legacy that will inspire civic pride across generations, delight the whole area and drive Swansea’s feel-good factor. Swansea Bid is thrilled to be the Principal Partner for Castles in the Sky and we hope you can support us.

If you want to learn more about sponsoring a castle email [email protected] or visit the Castles in the Sky website (www.swanseacastles.co.uk). For further updates visit Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.