Giant Ox sculpture art trail is launching this summer just 50 mins from London

More than 130 specially designed life-sized ox sculptures will take over the streets of historic Oxford this Summer in an ‘OxTrail’ event for the city as part of a charity fundraiser.

The huge art installation trail is being brought to the region by Sobell House Hospice charity and Wild in Art and kicks off 6th July 2024.

The incredible collection will be made up of 31 large oxen sculptures, each uniquely decorated and placed in key locations across one of the UK’s most historic and iconic cities.

The large oxen have been designed by International and UK artists, who were invited to submit their designs last year for selection. Of the 190 entrants OxTrail sponsors selected 31 designs and 17 of those are based in or have close connections to Oxfordshire – designs inspired by local wildlife, landscape and the culture of the area.

Selected artists include children’s illustrator kOrky Paul and author David Melling.

Across the county businesses, organisations, artists and schools will be supporting trail – there will also be more than 100 ‘mini oxen’.

Around 85 schools and community groups are taking part in OxTrail as part of the mini oxen sculptures, which will be displayed in mini herds across the county in libraries, hotels and community spaces. Groups, such as The Girl Guides, will have a ‘calf-sized’ herd of decorated, and personalised oxen, as well as individually fundraising for Sobell House Hospice.

And keep your eyes peeled for the ‘mini-mini oxen’ which can be found in the windows of the Oxford Story Museum, and other specially designed mini oxen including two from noted interior designer Annie Sloan CBE.

Families can explore the city and spot the oxen in and around the county, following the trail using the app or map.

In Westgate Shopping Centre OxTrail will also host its official merchandise shop for those looking for souvenirs.

The OxTrail art will be on display until the end of August. On Friday, September 13 the sculptures will be auctioned off the raise money for the hospice.

For more information on OxTrail head to https://oxtrail2024.co.uk/

OxTrail is being held in partnership with Wild in Art. Cities across the world have famously brought their streets to life via Wild in Art installations including Manchester, Sydney, Cape Town and São Paulo.

Wild in Art is the leading producer of spectacular public art events, aimed to entertain, inform and connect communities – its projects aim to give people of all ages a voice through art.