Earlier this year, the Southampton International Boat Show announced its partnership with Southampton Hospitals Charity and their prestigious ‘Light the South’ event, raising vital funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital.

The trail, which opened on 13 July, will take you on a cultural tour of Southampton and Cowes on the Isle of Wight and features 40 8ft lighthouses and 40 mini lighthouses uniquely designed and decorated by some of the UK’s most talented artists, as well as school and community groups.

Included in the trail will be a specially designed Southampton International Boat Show lighthouse. Entitled ‘Starry Starry Light’, the SIBS lighthouse was designed by artist Lynne Hollingsworth, a multi award-winning contemporary artist who has painted professionally for over 20 years and who has personally exhibited for HRH Prince of Wales (now King Charles III).

Commenting on her lighthouse sculpture design, which took three days to paint, Lynne said: “‘Starry, Starry Light’ was a such lovely sculpture to paint. I loved layering the paint and creating the painterly brush strokes with the beautiful blues and yellows. I love the challenge of taking a two-dimensional design and recreating it on a three-dimensional surface and had to wait patiently for each layer to dry before building up the markings to build real depth. The whole process was really therapeutic, and the lighthouse was lovely and curved, so it made the process even more cathartic. I hope people like it as much as I enjoyed painting it.”

Lynne went on to say: “I was absolutely thrilled when Southampton International Boat Show sponsored my design. I can’t wait to come and visit the Light the South Sculpture Trail and visit the Southampton International Boat Show. I’ve never been to a boat show so it will be a first for me. We don’t see many boats in Derbyshire! We’re totally landlocked here and I often yearn for the coast. I’m really looking forward to finding out more about the different types of boats and doing some sketches and illustrations.”

The full design is being kept closely under wraps until the event gets underway but head down to the trail where you will find the SIBS lighthouse close to the West Quay shopping centre; see if you can track it down!

The trail promises to be a visual feast for the eyes but also a unique interactive experience through the ‘Light the South’ app. Using the app visitors can learn about each sculpture, with insights into the art and stories behind each piece. You can also unlock special gifts and prizes, with visitors to the SIBS lighthouse being able to access a special code which will give you £10 off the cost of a general admission ticket to the show.

The trail ends on 1 September, after which all the sculptures will go on display at the Southampton International Boat Show. On entering the show you will be greeted by all 40 8ft lighthouses, followed by 40 mini lighthouses, designed by the school and community groups. A further eight mini lighthouses will then be spread across the entire show as part of the children’s fun treasure trail.

Then on Friday 20 September, there will be a special charity auction where all sculptures will be auctioned off to support the work of the Southampton Children’s Hospital. The auction will take place in the Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant at 7.30pm but don’t worry if you can’t make it, there will be an option to join online.

With space limited to 150-200 tickets you can register your interest to attend by completing the following form – Grand Auction – expression of interest (google.com)

Mark Ring, Head of Events at British Marine, organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show, said: “The SIBS lighthouse is more than an art installation; it signifies our support for this important charity. As our official charity of the year, we are committed to leveraging this event to raise awareness and funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital. We invite everyone to explore the ‘Light the South’ trail this summer and join us in September for the farewell event and auction.”

Beth Hall, Director of Operations and Resources at Southampton Hospitals Charity, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “The support from the Southampton International Boat Show is invaluable. By choosing us as the show’s official charity, they are helping to spotlight the needs of 165,000 children treated at Southampton Children’s Hospital each year. The ‘Light the South’ trail and the subsequent auction at the show are not only key to our fundraising efforts but also raise vital awareness for our cause.”

As well as visiting the trail, there will be a dedicated stand in Ocean Hall and talks on the Foredeck Stage at the show, providing opportunities to learn more about the charity and its work.  Donations to the charity can be made when purchasing your boat show tickets.

Southampton Children’s Hospital is one of the top children’s hospitals in the UK. Your donation will help transform the facilities and hospital experience for young patients, deliver vital support for families and continue life-changing research to keep your children’s hospital truly world class.

To find out more about the trail visit: Light the South