Kind weather was the finishing touch to the first event organised by Care for Cleveleys. On Saturday 26 August 2023 the Family Fun Day in Jubilee Gardens celebrated the completion of an amazing new artwork. It’s been hand painted by street artist Christian Fenn aka artist Seca One. The huge 94 square metre piece is inspired by the book ‘The Sea Swallow’. Written by Gareth Thompson it’s based on the coastline at Cleveleys, Lancashire.
The book is a fairy tale about a girl and her magical ‘Mary’s Shell’. About her fight against a sea Ogre who creates a storm to claim the land to the sea. It’s animated with huge pieces of public art on the seafront and beach. Now it comes to life with this stunning design. Incorporating key parts of the story it brightens up the gardens, highlighting links between climate change and wellbeing. And a host of butterflies flutters away from the main mural, flying off to spread their kindness.
Amazing Artwork and Great Weather
Care for Cleveleys is the volunteer arm of Cleveleys Town Centre Group. It was recently awarded £60k by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The landmark mural and fun day is the first piece of work to be commissioned with the funding.
Jane Littlewood is Chair of Care for Cleveleys. She explains “everything we do is about building a strong community around the shared aim of improving our town. Seca One Art – otherwise known as Christian Fenn – is a local guy. He’s really invested in both the area and the concept of partnership working and community. It’s been a fantastic experience working with him and watching the piece come to life. Especially with the first flutter of butterflies, painted and named by individuals at the Fun Day.”
26.8.23 Family Fun Day in Jubilee Gardens – the finishing touch to the fence!
The fence that the piece is painted on surrounds the compound for the £40m Wyre Beach Management Project. It’s commissioned by Wyre Council with Environment Agency funding. Balfour Beatty is the main contractor. With work ongoing for another couple of years, they saw the opportunity to both brighten the park up and bring the Sea Swallow to life.
Balfour Beatty have generously covered the cost of a surface coating to protect the artwork. The plan is that when the work is over and the park remodelled, a new home will be found for the painted boards.
The Butterfly Effected is Christians own global project, supporting mental health and wellbeing using art as a vehicle to spread hope, positivity & inspiration to people faced with adversities. There’ll be other opportunities to bring a butterfly to life in the future. Join Care for Cleveleys on Facebook Group for information about upcoming events and how you can get involved.
Family Fun…
The Family Fun Day was a brilliant event, attracting over 400 people to the park. Young and old alike enjoyed FREE face painting and meeting the Flower Pot People.
People had a go at spray painting, adding their own butterflies to the display. This also raised money for Care for Cleveleys, complete with a badge to take away.
These Care for Cleveleys events are an opportunity for you to find out about the Town Centre Group and volunteering. Meet the volunteers and see how you might get involved. It’s a fabulous group and a great way to make new friends!
… and Fundraising
Fundraising stalls at the event raised just under £1000 for the Christmas Lights campaign.
Don’t forget to follow Care for Cleveleys on Facebook for all the latest news
