by Rebecca Hannant
A group of small businesses and independent creatives in Hornsea are planning a sculpture trail in a bid to attract more visitors to the town.
The Hornsea Collective is working with partners and sponsors to create a coastal starfish trail, which aims to bring businesses and artists together to raise awareness of Hornsea as a tourist destination.
The project, named Starfish Galaxy, is organised by Hornsea Collective founder Sher King.
It could see eight initial starfish sculptures placed in key locations around the town, with scope for more in the future.
Each starfish is proposed to be 1.5m in diameter, with a height of 300mm, and will be made of moulded recycled plastics and secured by brackets to each premises.
The project has been inspired by the likes of last year’s Puffins Galore, during which 42 sculptures were placed in towns and villages across East Yorkshire as well as in Hull. The Hornsea Collective has been working with Puffins Galore founder Rick Welton.
Sher said: “The idea is that we would start off with eight large starfish about 6ft in diameter. They’ll be wall-mounted and designed and decorated by local artists.
“We hope there will be continuations, where smaller starfish can be decorated by individuals or communities and placed around the town.
“It’s a real community project and it’s designed to increase the profile of Hornsea as a holiday destination and a retail destination while bringing businesses in the community together.
“We hope that the trail will be ever-growing, so it won’t stop after one year. We have got a three-year plan where we continue to add to the trail. Visitors returning year on year will see something different. It could also link the idea so, for example, pubs may want to do a galaxy cocktail, or other groups may want to do some starfish-themed ideas such as crafts and other activities.”
The Hornsea Collective says the starfish has been chosen as the core theme because it highlights the importance of preserving coastal habitats.
Starfish have been inhabiting the Earth’s oceans for 450 million years, making them one of the oldest known animal groups. Their enduring presence is testament to their adaptability and resilience.
Starfish are integral to marine ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey. Their feeding habits help control the populations of molluscs and other invertebrates, contributing to the balance and diversity of coastal habitats.
In various cultures, starfish hold symbolic significance. They are often associated with resilience, guidance and intuition, representing the interconnectedness of life and the mysteries of the ocean.
As part of the project, chosen artists will submit applications to design a starfish sculpture, and the final designs will be chosen by a selection committee.
Each sculpture will be displayed throughout Hornsea, with the business sponsor and artist identified next to it. An accompanying booklet, which will be available via tourist information centres, local businesses and other outlets, will include details about the artist and their inspiration for the design.
The Hornsea Collective is looking for local sponsors and donations to ensure the project goes ahead. Those who offer sponsorship will be offered a package including being featured in advertising material.
Sher added: “Because it’s a community event, we’ve had quite a few individual donations too. We also have the website which thanks people for some of the community donations we have received so far.
“The tool we need to make the starfish is around £9,000, but once we have it – we can make as many as we like.
“If a business wants to get involved, we’re looking for a lead Galaxy partner or two. Meanwhile, if somebody wants to sponsor a starfish or location, they can contact us at [email protected]. Alternatively, call 07702 632038 or 07790 004320.”
Throughout the year, the Hornsea Collective will host several events relating to the project. In June, sponsors will be able to select the designs, while a showcase event to meet artists and sponsors will take place in July.
The sculptures will then be painted throughout August to October and will be installed in Hornsea around November and December, ready for the official launch in January 2026.