by John Prince
Hornsea Collective, which is behind the resort’s popular Starfish Galaxy sculpture trail, has received funding for the next phase to go ahead.
Six starfish sculptures are already up around town, and the plan is to put up a further 12 over two stages.
Launched in April, the trail has quickly become a must-do attraction for people visiting Hornsea.
They have now secured £5,000 from East Riding Council’s Do it for East Yorkshire fund (DifEY) that supports community groups, charities and voluntary organisations in delivering new or additional activity that benefits local communities.
The money will go towards the next six starfish which, it’s planned, will go up by September or October of this year, as well as additional projects which will run alongside.
Sher King from Hornsea Collective said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the Hornsea Collective has been awarded funding through the DifEY 2026–27 fund to help bring the next stage of our Starfish Galaxy Sculpture Trail Programme to life.
“This is a huge milestone for our not-for-profit organisation and fantastic news for Hornsea and the wider East Yorkshire coast.
“Thanks to this funding, we’ll be able to build on the success of the first Starfish Galaxy Trail by delivering so much more than public art.
“The programme will include creative workshops for schools, libraries and community groups, a brand-new children’s book by a local author, encouraging young people to care for our coast, and educational sessions exploring marine life, sustainability and public art.
“It will also include new printed and digital trail maps as well as community launch and celebration events.”
She added: “Over the coming months, we will be working with local artists, schools, volunteers and community organisations to create free and inclusive opportunities that inspire creativity, encourage exploration and celebrate everything that makes our coastline so special.
“Securing funding like this allows us to deliver projects that simply wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
“Every grant, every sponsor, every volunteer and every person who supports our fundraising events helps turn ambitious ideas into real community projects.
“A huge thank you to Do it for East Yorkshire for believing in our vision, and to everyone who has supported the Starfish Galaxy journey so far. We can’t wait to share what comes next.
“Watch this space. The Starfish Galaxy is about to grow.”