Burton's outdoor art trail
Welcome to Burton Swans
Come and be part of our swan seekers story – an exciting quest to find 25 dazzlingly-different, decorated swan sculptures in our town.
From July 2020 the swans, designed by talented artists and sponsored by local businesses and organisations, will make themselves at home on Burton’s streets and in its open spaces for just 10 weeks.
Whether you are Burton born and bred, or a visitor from further afield, you can enjoy a free, fun day out following the unique Burton Swans sculpture trail. Take a walk through our streets and discover stories about Burton’s history and heritage and what makes it such a great place to work and live today.
All the family can get involved. You will be able to download a map from this website once Burton Swans launches and there will be a mobile app that you can download too. For each swan you find there will be surprises, rewards or special offers from local businesses and organisations who are partners in the trail. You will be able to take ‘swan selfies’ whenever you find one and join the buzz on social media.
This exciting project - a first for Burton - will bring together schools, businesses, community groups, established and emerging artists
Sponsors
We are looking for businesses, community groups or individuals to sponsor one of our 25 scintillating swans. You can split this cost with other groups and jointly sponsor a swan. A maximum of four businesses/groups can sponsor one swan. find out more
Artists
This is your invitation to play a key, creative role in a unique, 10-week swan sculpture trail in Burton upon Trent during the summer of 2020. With your help we can create a memorable, exciting and fun experience for Burton residents and visitors which will have lasting economic, social and charitable benefits for the town.
Our Sponsors
A big thank you to everyone who has helped us
Here's what they had to say :)
Tilley
Red Door
Burton Swans is an opportunity for artists, businesses, schools, community groups and the public to work together towards something really exciting in Burton. An opportunity to celebrate the area and to get outdoors and enjoy the town in a new way. I'm excited about helping create that sense of community.
Chloe
Brewhouse
The Brewhouse is very proud to be part of the Burton Swans project. I am very excited that the project has already gained so much support and can’t wait to see what designs the artists and schools come up with. It is a great opportunity for local artists and businesses to come together to put burton on the map.
Our Chosen Charity
Burton and District YMCA is an independent Christian charity helping people in crisis regardless of faith, gender, race or ability. The charity believes that everyone deserves a place to call home and it provides 71 rooms across three sites for people who are homeless. The YMCA also provides practical and emotional support to equip people with the skills and confidence they need to build a brighter future where they can belong, contribute and thrive in our community. A YMCA food bank, based at the Reconnect Centre on James Street in Burton, issues emergency supplies all-year round to people in crisis and four YMCA shops provide affordable furniture for families across Staffordshire and Derbyshire. In recent years the YMCA has been a lead partner in providing a winter shelter for rough sleepers.
Latest News
12/2018
After months of development, the Burton Swans team is excited to see the first sheet of wood cut by sculptor Simon Watson.
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03/2019
Our very first swan has had her final coat of varnish and is ready for her photo shoot!
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03/2019
Simon, Tilley and the wonderful team at Idverde helped us transport our giant swan around well-known landmarks in Burton for her first photo shoot.
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