Bulls in the city art trail charges in to Birmingham

A new art trail based on the iconic Birmingham bull has finally been unleased on the city’s streets ready for a summer of bull hunting – all in the name of charity.

Birmingham Hospice has partnered with Wild in Art, a global producer of art trails, to create a new, showstopping trail for Birmingham called Bulls in the City live from July 16^th to September 14^th.

Based on the famous Bullring bull, the trail will see a stampede of 40 large fibreglass bull sculptures descend on Birmingham city centre between July and September, which will then be auctioned off on Thursday 16^th October to raise vital funds for the hospice. There will also be two smaller herds in Boldmere and Harborne.

The 40 large sculptures have all been intricately and passionately designed and painted by talented artists who submitted designs way back in October 2024 – from floral masterpieces to murals celebrating the city and its history, as well as bulls transformed to look like dragons and tigers and even a mini version of New Street’s Ozzy the Bull, there’s a huge variety of art on display.

As well as the large sculptures, there will be 88 mini bull sculptures designed and adopted by local schools and groups as part of the trail’s Learning and Community Programme, sponsored by Rolls-Royce.

The trail will generate a huge buzz throughout Birmingham, supporting local businesses as well as Birmingham Hospice, the city’s primary provider of adult hospice care. The hospice cares for people in the community, in people’s own homes or at its two hospice sites in Selly Park and Erdington.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) chair, said: “Ozzy the Bull in New Street Station, and Laurence Broderick’s bronze sculpture outside the Bullring, have become popular city landmarks and have helped establish the ‘Brummie Bull’ as a symbol of the Birmingham’s strength and spirit.

“Bulls in the City brings a welcome tribute to this legacy while raising awareness of a valued charity. These sculptures will help to boost trade in the city centre and champion the work of local artists, while shining a well-deserved spotlight on the tremendous work and dedication of staff at Birmingham Hospice.

“A huge thanks to Phillippa and Rachael Corcutt who painted the Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) bull – 'The Birmingham Explorer' – and to Megan Evans who designed the WMCA bull – ‘Parker's Goals’ – for their creative contributions.”

Paul Bytheway, Chief Executive at Birmingham Hospice, said the trail is more important than ever as the charity raises awareness of its vital cause.

He said: “Bulls in the City has been an enormous opportunity for us as a local charity to shout about our work and the importance of hospice care across the communities of Birmingham and surrounding areas.

“This art trail is a huge accomplishment for Birmingham Hospice as it’s the first time we’ve organised an event of this level and I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve, especially in our local community.

“Being able to engage more schools and groups, educating them on the work we do as part of our Learning and Community Programme has had such a positive impact on the community.

“This year, we estimate it could cost £19 million to run Birmingham Hospice. We are not fully funded by the NHS, and we heavily rely on voluntary income such as fundraising activity, income from our shops and donations to continue funding our services.

“So when you’re out on the trail this summer, consider donating to Birmingham Hospice, buying some merchandise or purchasing a trail map for a suggested donation – even the smallest amount can make a big impact.”

The art trail is possible thanks to the generosity of local businesses sponsoring the trail. West Midlands Combined Authority and University of Birmingham have come together as Presenting Partners for the trail, helping to bring a summer of fun to the city and further support Birmingham Hospice.

Professor Paul Bowen, Feeney Professor of Metallurgy, University of Birmingham, added: “The University of Birmingham is delighted to support Birmingham Hospice and the Bulls in the City art trail as a Presenting Partner, especially in this, the University’s 125th anniversary year, which we have marked with a renewed civic commitment to work hand-in-hand with the people and city of Birmingham.

“We do not doubt that this fabulous attraction will bring joy to our community and, most importantly, support and further the outstanding work of Birmingham Hospice.”

Other iconic Brummy businesses and organisations have signed up to sponsor a sculpture, including Selfridges, Doocey Group, Drayton Manor, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Brindley Place and Paradise, DLA Piper, MHA and Salts Healthcare, as well as local BIDS including Harborne, Colmore and Central.

The trail is also supported by Restore Harrow Green as the trail’s vital Logistics Partner and Elonex Outdoor Media, as a generous Media Partner.

Find out more at www.bullsinthecity.co.uk