Leigh Road Baptist Church Joins the Waddle as Penguins March into the City

This summer, Southend and Leigh-on-Sea have been taken over by a delightful huddle of penguins, thanks to Waddle-on-Sea—a vibrant public art trail brought to life by Havens Hospices in partnership with Wild in Art.

As part of this creative, family-friendly trail, Leigh Road Baptist Church (LRBC) in the heart of Leigh is proudly hosting nine baby penguin sculptures peering out of its Welcome Area, and one impressive giant penguin outside the church garden on Leigh Road, greeting visitors and passers-by throughout the season.

Running until Wednesday 3rd September, the trail features over 30 large penguin sculptures and more than 70 baby penguins dotted across Southend and Leigh. Each penguin has been uniquely designed by local artists, schools or community groups, transforming the city into an outdoor art gallery.

“We’re delighted to welcome these brilliant penguins to Leigh Road Baptist Church,” said David Elcock, LRBC’s Community Worker.
“After hosting many of the elephants during Herd in the City two years ago, it’s fantastic to be part of another creative trail supporting the vital work of Havens Hospices. These installations brighten up the area, draw people together, and help raise funds for a truly meaningful cause.”

Waddle-on-Sea aims to raise awareness and vital funds for Havens Hospices, which provides free, specialist care for people of all ages with incurable conditions, supporting families across Essex when it matters most.

Visitors can follow the trail using the official Waddle-on-Sea app, available on the App Store and Google Play, or pick up a printed trail map from various locations including Havens Hospices shops, The Forum, Pier Information Centre, Leigh-on-Sea Library, and trail HQs at The Royals Shopping Centre and 141 Leigh Road. (Please note: maps are not available from LRBC.)

The trail will culminate in a Farewell Weekend on 13–14 September, when all the sculptures come together one last time before many are auctioned off to raise even more for Havens Hospices’ vital work.

For more information, to plan your trail or book Farewell Weekend tickets, visit www.waddleonsea.co.uk.

Whether you’re local or visiting, make time to discover these joyful sculptures—and don’t forget to stop by LRBC to meet their penguin family and enjoy a moment of creative calm in the heart of Leigh.