Artists are being invited to submit dragon designs for a major public art trail in Wolverhampton organised by hospice charity Compton Care, in partnership with Wild in Art, set to feature dozens of colourful dragon sculptures.
It’s just one of several “Trails” Wild in Art are involved in creating next year.
Trail of the Dragons will run from 5th July until 5th September 2027 and feature 30 sculptured designed by national and regional artists, installed at key locations across the city.
Organisers are calling for both regional and national artists of all abilities to submit their designs for the project, with each sculpture set to be transformed into a “unique work of art”.
Find out how you can apply here. The deadline for artist submissions is 6th December 2026. Local businesses are also being encouraged to Sponsor a Dragon – more details here.
“We’re inviting local and national artists, whether established or just starting out, to submit inspired designs that will ignite imagination, celebrate creativity,” say the organisers, “and showcase the incredible artistic talent across our region and beyond, while also raising awareness and vital funds for the charity.
“Each sculpture will be transformed into a unique work of art, standing loud and proud across the city. These dragons will represent Compton Care’s spirit, our mission, and the communities we have supported since 1982. We can’t wait to see them take flight!”
The dragons will be painted from March to April 2027, and, as in previous years, following the nine-week trail, the dragons will be auctioned next October to raise money for the charity, which provides specialist palliative care and bereavement support.
As well as the large dragons, 30 smaller babies, or hatchlings, decorated by local schools and community groups, will be displayed in indoor locations.
An app and trail map will also be available so people can get involved.
Why Dragons?
The dragon reflects the heart of Compton Care’s mission and the spirt of Wolverhampton. “A dragon’s strength mirrors the resilience we help patients and families find, even in the hardest moments. Its sense of protection represents the safe, supportive care we provide, surrounding people with comfort, dignity, and reassurance. Dragons also symbolise guidance, reflecting how our specialist teams walk alongside families with compassion and expertise.
“Their associations with hope and prosperity echo our commitment to improving quality of life and bringing light into challenging times. And just as Wolverhampton continues to grow as a transformational city, the dragon’s spirit of transformation reflects the meaningful emotional journeys our patients experience with our support.”
Putting Young People at the Heart of the Programme
A core part of the Trail of the Dragons project is inspiring young minds, nurturing creativity, and creating a legacy that lives on through the younger generation.
Local schools and community groups are being invited to take part in the Programme, putting young people at the heart of this spectacular public art event.
The Schools and Community Groups Programme gives local school or groups the chance to design and decorate your very own baby dragon sculpture, which will be displayed as part of the public Trail of the Dragons.
“This is a unique opportunity to showcase your creativity to thousands of visitors, while helping to raise awareness of – and vital funds for – Compton Care, supporting people and families living with life limiting conditions,” say the team. Find out more here.
Wild in Art
Wild in Art, the partner on the project, are a commercial organisation, creative producers of spectacular, meaningful and innovative public art trails, employing a core team in the north and south of England. They have worked with destinations, charities, brand owners, artists, businesses, learning providers and communities across the UK and worldwide to create memorable events which make a difference. Over almost two decades, their projects have seen the creation of some 13,000 sculptures across almost two hundred events, enjoyed by millions across the UK.
Current British Trails they have helped create are The Gruffalo Art Adventure in Knole, Kent, running until 1st November 2026, in partnership with the National Trust; Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock at Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent, created in collaboration with Aardman, also running until 1st November 2026, moving to Blickling Estate in Aylsham, Norfolk, from 14th November 26 until 17th January 2027, again in partnership with the National Trust; The Story Trail in Brighton and Hove, running until 8th November, in partnership with Amaze; Walking with The Snowman, inspired by Raymond Briiggs graphic novel and subsequent animation, in Bath (19th November 2026 – 28th January 2027), in partnership with Bath BID, which also offers a “The World of The Snowman” exhibition at the Victoria Art Gallery; The Trail of Peter Rabbit at Clumber Park in Worksop, Nottinghamshire (21st November 26 – 3rd January 2027; and Snowdogs Discover Sheffield Park and Garden (28th November – 10th January 2027).
Upcoming Wild in Art Projects
Their other upcoming projects include A Neverland Adventure: Art Trail, in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity), inspired by the story of Peter Pan and the magic of Neverland. This free outdoor walking art trail will see a collection of beautifully designed storybook benches installed across Bloomsbury and the greater Camden borough in London in July and August 2027.
Artists have until 31st October 2026 to submit their designs – find out more here.
• Find out more at aneverlandadventure.co.uk
Elsewhere, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) will be bringing the Panda Meander sculpture trail to Cambridge in the Spring 2027 – where visitors to the city will be able to explore between 30 and 40 of the giant panda sculptures along a route that will take in some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Applications for this project are now closed.
• Find out more on pandameander.co.uk and follow along on Facebook and Instagram
• Wild in Art is online at wildinart.co.uk | Artists Information Here
• A Neverland Adventure, London | Open to Pitches | Deadline: 31st October 2026
• Isaac Newton 300 Trail, Lincoln | Open to pitches | Deadline: 6th December 2026 | Download the Artist Information Pack
• Trail of the Dragons, Wolverhampton | Open Deadline: 6th December 2026
• The Big Bear Stomp, Woking | Open to Piches | Deadline: 16 December
• Peter Rabbit™ in the Warrens of Worcester | Open to Pitches | Deadline: 8th January 2027
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
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