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Giant snails take over Brighton and Hove!

Published on: 24 Sep 2018

This autumn Brighton has be hit by mollusc mania as fifty giant snail sculptures, each uniquely decorated by different artists, and sponsored by a local business, have snuck their way onto the streets of Brighton & Hove. The event will run until Sunday 18th November 2018, encouraging locals to become tourists in their own city, spend time with friends and family hunting for every sculpture, and, to engage with the event’s key campaign message of #BeMoreSnail. 

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                                                                                                                #BeMoreSnail is the motto of Snailspace, the UK’s first sculpture trail featuring giant gastropods, which has been organised by Martlets Hospice in conjunction with event partners, Wild in Art.  The idea behind #BeMoreSnail, is to encourage people to slow down, enjoy the moment and spend more time with the people they love. It resonates with the philosophy behind the life-changing care provided by the hospice, and, at the end of the event, the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise money for it.  

Businesses across the city are backing the campaign, from Brighton institutions such as The Palace Pier, Donatello’s and Theatre Royal to newer attractions such as the i360. It has also found support amongst many corporates and B2B companies. Many want to support Martlets as it is a charity that touches the lives of everyone living locally. Others are keen to support a campaign that brings such a life affirming, feel-good community event to the city. However, some are also embracing the business benefits of the #BeMoreSnail idea, which places importance on work life balance, recognising that happy staff are also more productive. 

 The event also has the backing of some of the city’s celebrity residents.  Superstar DJ, Norman Cook, AKA Fatboy Slim, has his very own snail designed by street artist, Cassette Lord. Best-selling crime author, Peter James has a snail based on his highly acclaimed Roy Grace series and popular vlogger and boyfriend of Zoella, Alfie Deyes, will also has a giant snail on the route. A comprehensive map and an interactive App also supports the sculpture hunt. The App encourages visitors to ‘bag’ as many sculptures as possible by tracking how many snails they have found, enable them to vote for their favourites, and, unlock special ‘rewards’ each time a sculpture is found. 

Snailspace also has a huge learners programme. Alongside the fifty giant snails there are nearly 60 junior snails. Nurseries, schools and youth groups have decorated these smaller, but perfectly formed gastropods, and they are displayed in indoor venues across the city.  Sussex Girl Guides have even created a snail badge to run alongside the event. 

As part of Snailspace there are a series of special events during the nine weeks. On Friday 12thOctober Martlets are organising a Snailway Safari, a sponsored walk with a difference. For one night only the Snailway will become an evening spectacular, with sights, surprises and entertainment along the way.  

Then, on Oct 19ththere will be a citywide #BeMoreSnail day, when Martlets will challenge people to do something which resonates with the idea of being more mindful. It could be to slow down by walking or cycling rather than driving, having lunch away from work, giving up caffeine, or aiming for a screen free day. Whatever it is it is a simple reminder to take time to fully enjoy moments in every day. 

Snailspace(www.snailspacebrighton.co.uk) will run until Sunday 18th November 2018 in Brighton & Hove. Visit the website and follow @snailspacebh on Twitter, Instragram and Facebook for campaign updates.