Brighton Marina has been announced as an official sponsor of The Story Trail, a new public art installation launching across Brighton and Hove this autumn.
Organised by local charity Amaze in partnership with Wild in Art, the free, family-friendly trail will transform the city’s streets, parks and open spaces into an interactive storybook from September to November 2026.
More than 30 giant BookBenches will be displayed across Brighton and Hove, alongside smaller benches decorated by local schools and community groups. The giant BookBenches will be designed by local artists, with each one adding a chapter to the city’s story.
The Story Trail launches in September
The trail will officially launch on 12th September 2026. Visitors are invited to find the sculptures using The Story Trail app.
The app will allow users to locate BookBenches, make charity donations, access exclusive discounts and participate in fundraising events.
At the end of the trail in November, the BookBenches will be auctioned to raise vital funds for Amaze and its work supporting families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Brighton Marina becomes a creative hub
Throughout the summer, Brighton Marina will serve as the trail’s official creative hub, providing space for local artists and community groups to decorate all 67 BookBenches.
The Marina will also host its own mermaid-themed sculpture, titled Magic Tails of the Sea.
The bench will feature a giant seashell on one side and a mermaid cleaning up the ocean on the other. It will be displayed against the Marina’s waterfront setting.
Louise Taylor, Centre Director at Brighton Marina, said: “We are delighted to sponsor The Story Trail and host all 67 benches while the artists work their magic. Amaze does incredible, life-changing work across the region, supporting families with disabled children. Providing space for these beautiful benches to be decorated, and ultimately hosting one ourselves, is a wonderful way to support the initiative.”
She added that visitors would be encouraged to pause, reflect and enjoy the waterfront views while sitting on the Marina’s BookBench.
According to Amaze, one in six families in Sussex supports a child with special educational needs and disabilities. Money raised through the trail will help families access expert advice, practical assistance and connections with others who share similar experiences.
Find out more about The Story Trail on the Brighton Marina website.
Will you be heading out to discover the BookBenches this autumn? We’re looking forward to seeing Brighton and Hove transformed into a city-wide storybook and discovering the creative designs that bring each chapter to life.
