It’s safe to say that Birmingham loves a bull. Be it Ozzy or Perry, this obsession is never-ending, but it all started not that long ago with the now-iconic Bullring Bull. Arriving in 2003, Laurence Broderick’s 7ft bronze statue has become the city’s de facto mascot—and so it’s only right that it gets its own art trail, right?
The Guardian, as it’s officially known, has come to symbolise the spirit of the city: strength, persistence and determination. The ‘Bulls in the City’ art trail will pay tribute to the popular bronze bull, located outside the entrance of the Bullring, with a herd of larger-than-life sculptures taking over Birmingham this summer.
What is the ‘Bulls in the City’ art trail?
Based on the Bullring bull, 40 hand-painted sculptures will spread throughout the city in support of Birmingham Hospice. Created by the UK-based arts events company, Wild in Art, it’s their seventh Birmingham art trail—with previous trails including owls, bears, penguins, snowmen and, most notably, human-shaped sculptures to thank NHS staff.
Decorated by a mix of local and international artists, local businesses and organisations have sponsored each sculpture. Plus, another 85 calves have been adopted by schools, nurseries and community groups from around Birmingham—bringing the grand total to 125 bulls. At the end of the trail, each sculpture will be auctioned off.
When does the art trail start?
The locations of ‘Bulls in the City’ art trail will be revealed soon, but we know it will run from Wednesday, July 16 to Sunday, September 14, 2025. They will then be gathered for a Farewell Weekend at Millennium Point on October 10 to 12, before being auctioned off on Thursday, October 16, to raise money for Birmingham Hospice.
How do I get involved?
The main aim of the trail is to raise money, so why not get your friends and family to sponsor you while visiting all the bulls in Birmingham? You can set up a JustGiving page here. Alternatively, you can volunteer as a trail ambassador, raffle ticket seller, and a myriad of other roles by emailing: wildinart@birminghamhospice.org.uk
To learn more about ‘Bulls in the City’ art trail head here.