How our community is taking St Luke’s Guiding Lights to heart
24th August 2026/

Guiding Lights shines a light on Plymouth’s community spirit

With thousands downloading the app to follow this summer’s lighthouse art trail, excitement is building for the auction finale and the chance to support the hospice charity’s compassionate care.

It’s a month since St Luke’s Guiding Lights burst onto the streets of Plymouth, and it’s safe to say the city has fallen in love with its striking lighthouse sculptures.

Since the art trail launched in July, thousands of people of all ages have set off in search of this beautiful collection of individually designed and decorated artworks, transforming everyday walks into adventures and offering magical visual moments through the city centre and around the waterfront.

The much-photographed sculptures have been welcomed by both locals and visitors as a joyful addition to the urban and ocean landscape. And people are discovering that the colourful outdoor promenade gallery, produced in conjunction with Wild in Art, is as much a celebration of compassion in the community as it is a showcase of inspirational creativity.

One million steps and counting for Guiding Lights

Figures from the first month reveal that more than 3,170 people have downloaded the Guiding Lights app. Together, trail followers have recorded more than 1 million steps, walked 488 miles, and shared 1,833 selfies through the app – snapshots that have helped spread the word, encouraging others to join in.

Using the app is one of the best ways to enhance the Guiding Lights experience. Alongside an interactive map that helps you follow the trail, you can unlock each sculpture you find, vote for your favourites, collect rewards from sponsors, track personal milestones and build a personal record of your journey.

The Tower by Brian Pollard and Whispers of the Luminous by Sonia Hensler

Plymouth picks its Guiding Lights favourites

Some lighthouses have already emerged as top crowd pleasers on the app, including Whispers of the Luminous by Sonia Hensler,outside St Luke’s Barbican charity shop; Brian Pollard’s The Tower on The Hoe; Green and Pleasant Land by Jess Molyneux on Hoe Road; and Playful Puffins by Jordan Lauder at Madeira Road.

Perhaps as important as the statistics is how strongly people have connected with the trail. Families have planned summer days out around lighthouse hunting and friends have challenged each other to complete the route.

Just some of the lighthouses you can bid on

Going, going, glowing: Guiding Lights up for auction

This will be the moment when businesses, organisations and individuals can make one of the lighthouses a permanent fixture of their own, with the reserve price for each one expected to start from £3,000.

The high-stakes evening will be the culmination of everything the trail has achieved. Anyone interested in bidding on a lighthouse – including online – can register in advance, and guest tickets are available for those who would like to enjoy the event in person.

St Luke’s events manager Georgina Dyke said: “Projects on the scale of Guiding Lights do not happen without the support of an incredible community, and we would like to thank everyone who has embraced the trail so far. Whether you have downloaded the app, bought a map, shared a selfie, visited a sculpture, volunteered your time or encouraged friends and family to get involved, you are helping Guiding Lights to make a difference.

Celestial Beacon by Diane Griffiths and Greenhouse by Charlotte Pepper

The Guiding Lights adventure isn’t over yet

“Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to the artists whose creativity has transformed blank lighthouse sculptures into eye-catching works of art, and to the businesses and organisations whose sponsorship has brought the trail to life, including our presenting partner Morgan Sindall Construction.

“There is still plenty of time to follow the trail before the sculptures leave Plymouth’s streets –the final day is Sunday, September 13. Whether you are planning a lighthouse hunt, downloading the app for the first time or hoping to secure your favourite sculpture at auction, you can be part of the story. If the first month is anything to go by, Guiding Lights is leaving a lasting impression long before the lighthouses find their forever homes.”

Download the app on Apple or Android or pick up a paper map and some Guiding Lights merchandise at one of our city centre charity shops. For more details about the auction on Thursday, 1 October 2026 and to register your interest, visit stlukesguidinglights.com/auction

Learn more about St Luke’s Guiding Lights

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