Beaming with pride!

Our Art Trail runs from 6 July – 13 September 2026

Get ready for St Luke’s Guiding Lights, which will be beaming through Plymouth in summer 2026 with a spectacular trail of stunning lighthouse sculptures. A spectacular line-up of more than 40 show-stopping lighthouse sculptures will map out a magical journey through the streets of Britain’s Ocean City from 6 July to 13 September. Imagine wandering through the bustling streets of Plymouth and along the beautiful waterfront, uncovering one stunning Lighthouse after another, each bearing the creative imprint of local and regional artists and proudly sponsored by local businesses. Find out more about the Art Trail and our brand new interactive app here.

Alongside the fun of the trail, that association dovetails with the ultimate aim of the project – to raise vital funds and increase awareness to support the expert end of life care St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth provides for patients and their families, not only across the city but also in towns and villages of West Devon, Dartmoor and the South Hams.

Guiding Lights was launched last year with the unveiling of the trail’s first full-size lighthouse, a vibrant homage to Plymouth and its people by celebrated artist Brian Pollard, a patron of St Luke’s, alongside a smaller scale sea-inspired creation by popular local mural painter Mrs Murals, which has been on the road inspiring creators and supporters.

Hundreds of artists submitted their visions to transform one of the blank white lighthouses into imaginative showpieces that will stop people in their tracks. An experienced panel whittled down the sea of submissions to a shortlist of 80, and these designs were shared with sponsors and the Guiding Lights team to make the final selection for the trail.

After being on show to the public for 10 weeks, the sculptures will find their permanent homes when they go under the hammer at a grand auction finale.

A Wild in Art Event

Working in partnership with Wild in Art, this colourful and exciting art trail will engage local communities, schools and businesses, and bring thousands of visitors into the city. All the while raising awareness of St Luke’s and the importance of the care we provide.

Wild in Art is the leading producer of spectacular public art events which enrich, entertain, inform and connect communities – giving people of all ages a voice through art.

Why lighthouses?

The lighthouse theme was selected for its symbolic relevance and its strong link to Plymouth’s maritime history and Smeaton’s Tower on the Hoe. Lighthouses traditionally provide a guiding light for those who are weathering stormy seas and searching for safety, and this echoes what St Luke’s offers our patients and their loved ones, helping them find their way in times of great difficulty and uncertainty.

Seeing our organisation as a guiding light also fits in well with St Luke’s commitment to shine a beacon of compassion across Plymouth and the surrounding area, not only supporting and advising patients and families, but also liaising with and guiding other health and care professionals to make sure everyone has the best end of life support possible.