Bringing communities together through art

To mark Compton Care’s 45th birthday, Trail of the Dragons is inviting schools, youth groups and community organisations across Wolverhampton to take part in a landmark public art event and support a vital local cause along the way.

Created with renowned public art specialists Wild in Art, the trail will turn Wolverhampton into a vibrant outdoor gallery in summer 2027, with striking dragon sculptures appearing across the city.

The opportunity

The idea was simple: create something that would bring people together, celebrate Wolverhampton’s creativity and make a real difference locally. The project is set to:

• Engage local schools and community groups in a meaningful creative experience
• Celebrate the creativity and spirit of Wolverhampton
• Raise awareness of Compton Care and its services
• Encourage fundraising to support local people living with life-limiting conditions
• Leave a legacy for participants and the wider community

Schools and community groups are invited to sponsor and design their own baby dragon sculpture, which will become part of the wider trail.

The approach

Each participating school or community group receives a blank baby dragon sculpture, a canvas ready to be brought to life with its own ideas, stories and creative flair.

As they develop their designs, groups are encouraged to:

• Work collaboratively on a shared artistic project
• Develop design ideas that reflect their community, values or local area
• Take part in fundraising activities supporting Compton Care
• Engage students, young people and community members in a city-wide initiative

The Trail of the Dragons team provides support, guidance and resources throughout, giving every group the confidence to create a dragon that feels truly their own while contributing to a much bigger city-wide celebration.

Community impact

Taking part is about much more than decorating a sculpture. For schools and community groups, it is a chance to:

• Showcase their creativity to thousands of visitors
• Build teamwork, pride and community spirit
• Participate in one of Wolverhampton’s largest public events
• Raise awareness and funds for a local charity
• Create a lasting legacy, with each group keeping their dragon after the trail concludes

The project is already capturing imaginations across the region, with schools and community groups signing up to claim their place on the trail.

Supporting Compton Care

Every dragon created for the trail will help shine a light on Compton Care’s work across the region. Fundraising connected to the project will support the charity’s specialist care and services for local people living with life limiting conditions and their families. It means the trail’s impact will reach far beyond the artwork itself.

Looking ahead

When Trail of the Dragons arrives in summer 2027, residents and visitors will be able to explore a city wide collection of one of a kind dragon sculptures, each with its own story of creativity, collaboration and community spirit.

By bringing together art, education, fundraising and local pride, the trail is set to leave a lasting mark on Wolverhampton while helping Compton Care continue its vital work for years to come.

Interested in Taking Part?

Schools, youth groups, community organisations and local clubs can register their interest by visiting www.trailofthedragons.co.uk or emailing trail@comptoncare.org.uk.