More than 30 life-size ox sculptures have been sponsored by companies in and around Oxford as part of a giant art installation event next month.

This year’s OxTrail will feature ox sculptures taking over the streets on Saturday, July 6 to raise money for Sobell House Hospice Charity.

Stagecoach West is sponsoring an ox decorated by local artist Mary Blackshaw that will appear in the trail which will be free to follow.

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The trail will see individually painted sculptures dotted around the city for the public to go and find.

(Image: Contribution)

Mary Blackshaw, a sculpture artist, said: "I am thrilled to have created our ox for Sobell House Hospice thanks to the generosity of Stagecoach West’s sponsorship.  

“As a local, I sought to capture the playful eccentricities of Oxfordshire, both old and new across the county. 

“I have illustrated local legends and folklore, some famous and some lesser known which I am excited for everyone to see, very soon."

Stagecoach West has backed the OxTrail app where players find and ‘collect’ Ox sculptures and unlock a sponsor reward for each one. 

The busy company donate £1 to Sobell House Hospice for each unlocked visit to its Ox sculpture on the app.

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Karen Coventry, commercial and marketing director at Stagecoach West says: “We’ve had a sneak preview of our ox and can’t wait for everyone else to see Mary’s masterpiece ‘grazing’ out in public. 

"We’re honoured to be part of such a special art event which will bring families and friends together to explore our beautiful city whilst raising money for an incredible cause at the same time.”

The display until the end of August 2024 and after this sculptures will be auctioned off to raise money for the hospice.

The charity provides palliative care and support to around 3,000 adult patients a year as well as their families, friends, and carers.

Amelia Foster, CEO of Sobell House Hospice Charity, said: “Across eight weeks, OxTrail will encourage locals and visitors of all ages to explore Oxford’s iconic attractions and find some hidden gems. 

“It’ll be a huge event for the city but one we would not be able to do without the fantastic support and sponsorship from local businesses such as Stagecoach West.”

For the eight weeks in summer, 139 oxen in total will be situated across the county for people to visit including the 31 large oxen painted by artists all situated outdoors.

Then 108 of the smaller oxen will be across the city and the county in publicly accessible buildings within Oxfordshire towns.

OxTrail is being held in partnership with Wild in Art.

Cities across the world have famously brought their streets to life through Wild in Art installations including Manchester, Sydney, Cape Town and São Paulo.