Lighting the way: businesses back city’s summer art trail and auction in aid of local hospice care

23rd April 2026

Plymouth’s business community is charting a course for hope, coming together to support St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s Guiding Lights, a major public art trail and auction set to illuminate the city this summer.

Recently, representatives from local businesses and other organisations gathered at the National Marine Aquarium to select their favourite lighthouse designs from over 90 submitted by talented artists from Plymouth and further afield. Together, they cast their votes for the designs they most want to see the artists bring to life as full-scale sculptures. Their choices will help shape a trail of striking lighthouses that will shine across Plymouth and beyond this summer, attracting visitors, boosting the local economy, and symbolising the comfort, guidance and compassion for which St Luke’s is renowned.

Behind every sponsorship is a shared belief in St Luke’s and the vital difference the independent charity makes to local families facing the very toughest of times.

St Luke’s specialist nurses provide round-the-clock specialist care, emotional support and dignity for terminally ill patients at the end of their lives, while also supporting loved ones going through fear, grief and loss. For many families in Plymouth and surrounding areas, St Luke’s is a steady light in the darkest storm.

Over ten weeks from July, Guiding Lights will transform the city into a vibrant, accessible, family-friendly outdoor art gallery, featuring more than 30 large lighthouse sculptures, each individually designed by artists and sponsored by local companies. Delivered in partnership with Wild in Art, the trail is expected to attract thousands of visitors, increase footfall, support local businesses and generate a powerful sense of civic pride and togetherness.

When the trail comes to an end, the lighthouse sculptures will be gathered together for a major viewing event, followed by a high-profile, edge-of-your-seat auction night, with proceeds from the sale of the original artworks, after costs, going directly to fund St Luke’s care.

For sponsors of the eye-catching artworks, the benefits are two-fold: high-profile brand exposure across the city-wide trail while supporting a cherished local charity enabling patients to live well to the end of their lives and die peacefully, with dignity.

Paul Molyneux, of sponsor Molyneux Associates, said: “The lighthouse theme is so in keeping with Plymouth. Getting involved as a sponsor isn’t just about how our business benefits from the exposure, it’s about supporting the hospice because the team does such an amazing job.

“So many of us have loved ones who’ve been looked after by St Luke’s, and none of us know when it might be us who needs that care ourselves. Being a Guiding Lights sponsor is a great way to ensure such a vital service continues for years to come.”

Mark Plant from Ridge Constructionsaid: “I’m absolutely blown away by the high quality of the designs and can’t wait to see the trail come to life this summer. It’s an honour to be supporting a charity that is so needed in our city. It’s an easy win for us to get behind a cause we feel so passionate about.”

Sarah Gibson, CEO of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, said: “We’re delighted that St Luke’s is bringing another imaginative art trail to the city, and we can’t wait to see families exploring it this summer.

“These events bring joy, increase footfall and benefit the local economy. Our waterfront businesses are looking forward to welcoming more visitors when the trail gets underway, and my message to local firms is: don’t hesitate, get involved and be part of something really special this year!”

St Luke’s Events Manager Georgina Dyke said: “We’re thrilled to be staging such a prestigious event for our city. We’re certain that, with the support of our wonderful community – including the big-hearted sponsors selecting their favourite lighthouse designs – we can make sure Guiding Lights 2026 is a brilliant success.

“A big thank you to every organisation who’s come aboard already, understanding that this sponsorship opportunity combines meaningful community impact with strong commercial benefits. For those who haven’t yet, there’s still time to get involved, so please do get in touch.

“St Luke’s nurses are a guiding light for families facing the unimaginable. By sponsoring a lighthouse, you can help us continue to provide comfort, dignity and peace at the end of life, while playing a visible role in something truly special for Plymouth.”

Become a sponsor for St Luke’s Guiding Lights Learn more about St Luke’s Guiding Lights

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