THE HERD IS HERE! 90 magnificent elephants take over Windsor and Slough as Trunks across the Thames officially opens

They're finally here!

After months of excitement and anticipation, the streets, parks and public spaces of Slough and Windsor have been transformed by a spectacular herd of more than 90 beautifully decorated elephant sculptures as Trunks across the Thames, a Wild in Art event brought by Thames Hospice, officially opens today.

Over the next nine weeks, these incredible larger-than-life artworks will transform the community into one giant outdoor gallery, inviting families, friends, neighbours and visitors to explore, discover and make memories together.

The trail is completely free, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy. Whether following the full route or discovering just a few elephants along the way, visitors can enjoy a unique summer experience across Windsor and Slough while learning more about the work of Thames Hospice.

Thousands of people are expected to follow the trail throughout the summer, making it one of the region's biggest and most colourful events of the year.

Created by Thames Hospice in partnership with Wild in Art, Trunks across the Thames is much more than an art trail. It is one of the biggest community projects the Hospice has ever undertaken and a celebration of everything that makes our communities extraordinary.

Featuring 30 large elephant sculptures, each uniquely designed by talented artists, alongside 60 ‘Mini Herd’ elephants created by local schools and community groups, every elephant has its own story to tell. Together, they celebrate the places we love, the people who inspire us and the compassion that sits at the heart of Thames Hospice.

Dr Rachael de Caux, Chief Executive of Thames Hospice, said:

"Today is a celebration of our community. We want people to come for the elephants, enjoy a brilliant summer day out and leave knowing a little more about Thames Hospice, the care we provide and the difference it makes to local families.

"For nearly 40 years, Thames Hospice has been part of this community, caring for local families through some of life's most difficult moments. Trunks across the Thames gives us the opportunity to bring people together in a completely different way – through creativity, storytelling and shared experiences."

"Every elephant tells a different story and reminds us that every story matters. We hope this trail creates conversations, inspires kindness and leaves people with a stronger connection to their community and a better understanding of hospice care."

While Trunks across the Thames promises a summer of colour, creativity and adventure, it also has a deeper purpose.

Hospice care can still feel like the ‘elephant in the room’, something many people find difficult to talk about. Through the trail, Thames Hospice hopes to encourage more open conversations about death, dying and bereavement, challenge misconceptions about hospice care and help more people understand that hospice care is about quality of life – helping people feel comfortable, supported and cared for, while making the most of the time that matters to them and their families. Hospice care is not just about the end of life; it is about providing compassionate support, choice and dignity whenever people need it most.

The trail will also raise vital awareness and funds for Thames Hospice, helping ensure more local people and their loved ones can benefit from compassionate hospice care in the future.

Download the official Trunks across the Thames app

Visitors can enhance their trail adventure by purchasing the Trunks across the Thames app, available from the App Store and Google Play.

The app brings the trail to life with interactive features, allowing visitors to discover the stories behind the elephants, collect rewards and achievements, track their progress and enjoy even more ways to explore the herd. £1.45 from the in-app purchase fee of £1.99 will be donated to help support the work of Thames Hospice.

Come for the elephants... leave inspired

More than 90 incredible sculptures are waiting to be discovered across local communities. Visitors can wander through beautiful parks, discover hidden corners of the area, enjoy local cafés and attractions, and find a favourite elephant along the way. Every sculpture offers a new story, a new perspective and a new reason to explore.

Trunks across the Thames has been almost two years in the making, bringing together artists, businesses, sponsors, schools, community groups, local authorities and volunteers to create something truly special for the region.

Thames Hospice would like to thank every sponsor, partner, artist, school, community group and volunteer who has helped bring the herd to life. Together, they have created an unforgettable experience that will inspire thousands of people this summer while leaving a lasting legacy for local hospice care.

The Hospice hopes people will come for the elephants but leave with something even more valuable: a better understanding of Thames Hospice, the care it provides and the confidence to have conversations that really matter.

Every app purchased, every visit, every shared photo and every conversation helps more people discover the trail, experience the herd and learn about the work of Thames Hospice.

Share your adventure

Visitors are encouraged to share their favourite trail moments using #TrunksAcrossTheThames and tagging @TrunksAcrossTheThames on social media.

Visit trunksacrossthethames.co.uk

Every story shared will inspire others to discover the herd, download the app and become part of the biggest community celebration of the summer. 

The herd is here. Let the adventure begin!