For the first time last night, sponsors discovered which artist would be decorating their giant snowdog before a charity art trail hits Brighton and Hove at the end of September. Snowdog correspondent Flora Thompson meets one of the life-size pooches and reveals more of the designs being considered

SPORTING fetching purple trunks and flippers ready for a deep sea adventure, meet Snorkel the Snowdog.

Standing at 1.5 metres, he made his big entrance in Horatio’s Bar at the end of the Palace Pier last night where he was united with his loving owners – the staff at Sea Life Brighton.

The giant model is one of the first to be revealed fully decorated before he takes up his spot on the streets of Brighton and Hove later this year.

He will join 39 other pooches on the biggest charity art trail the area has ever seen but they are still waiting for their finishing touches before meeting the public.

The rest of the owners-to-be were busy adopting his pack mates at the event and deciding which artist’s designs they will proudly wear.

Around 100 people turned up for the event to vie for their favourite design.

Pier managing director Anne Martin said: “There is a lot of talent in Brighton and this is for one of our favourite local charities.”

At least 30 businesses, groups and famous faces, including DJ Fatboy Slim and author Peter James, have signed up to the Wild in Art project so far to raise money for The Martlets Hospice. The Argus is the official media partner for the project.

Some 250 people submitted design ideas and were whittled down to a shortlist of 100. Some of the designs entered – which are not necessarily confirmed as some of the final choices – are featured, right. Artists will hear within two weeks if their entry is successful.

Once the match is made, the rest of the Snowdogs will be sent off to meet their artists who will have the summer to decorate them. Their names will be picked and the finished pooches will be revealed iat Brighton Marina on September 22.

Max Leviston, general manager at Sea Life Brighton, said: “It’s really exciting for us to see our very own exclusive under the sea Snowdog come to life – it’s a truly unique design and definitely like no other. The design really captures what we’re all about – having fun and showing off our incredible creatures, including some of our most famous characters like the regal tang and clownfish. We’re absolutely thrilled to be involved in the Snowdogs by the Sea trail and supporting The Martlets.”

Martlets chief executive Imelda Glackin said: “It was brilliant to have all of our Snowdog sponsors in one room and the atmosphere was electric as they got to see the amazing designs for the first time. It was wonderful seeing how enthusiastic our sponsors are about the campaign and their support for Martlets. We have been overwhelmed at how many organisations, businesses and celebrities have got behind us.”

She said some sponsors were now thinking of having two Snowdogs. after struggling to pick just one favourite design.

The models, inspired by The Snowman and The Snowdog film, will be auctioned off after the trail and all proceeds will go to the charity. The project is expected to raise thousands to boost the city’s economy by attracting visitors.

  • Businesses, groups, organisations and individuals can still sign up to sponsor a Snowdog by pledging £5,000 to support The Martlets. To get involved call Sarah Harvey at The Martlets Hospice on 01273 718797 or email sarah.harvey@martlets.org.ukTo get involved call Sarah Harvey at The Martlets Hospice on 01273 718797 or email sarah.harvey@martlets.org.uk