Octopus Ahoy! is an engaging, family-friendly art trail for one and all to enjoy. These stunning sculptures will arrive ashore on June 25, taking pride of place in parks, on streets and in open spaces across the Tendring District and beyond.

This free, fun summer activity is a chance to visit amazing, artist creations, so why not become a ‘tourist in your own town’, get your step count up in the fresh air, and earn ‘ink-credible’ rewards and prizes?

Gazette: Online - Octopus Ahoy! art workshop with artist Jenny Leonard Online - Octopus Ahoy! art workshop with artist Jenny Leonard

The Octopus Ahoy! project is a celebration of local art, history and community spirit, involving more than 60 Essex schools. Originally planned for summer 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic until 2021, the art trail helps mark 400 years (in 2020) since the historical voyage of the Mayflower ship to the new world, with Harwich’s own Christopher Jones at the helm, and celebrates 150 Years of Clacton on Sea.

Gazette: Jonathan Benson, Thom Mitchell, Stas Anastasiades at the Octopus Ahoy ! business reception in celebration of the Mayflower 400™️Jonathan Benson, Thom Mitchell, Stas Anastasiades at the Octopus Ahoy ! business reception in celebration of the Mayflower 400™️

Daytrippers in Essex can follow the art trail throughout the summer using the FREE Octopus Ahoy! app which is available from June 1, on both Apple and Android. The app will reveal the locations of each sculpture and allow users to earn amazing rewards for ‘collecting’ each octopus design on the list.

In all, there will be 100 quirky octopus sculptures to visit, including more than 30 large, hand-decorated sculptures decorated by local professional artists and generously sponsored by local businesses.

Gazette: Two Village School CofE Primary School pupils painting their octopus called 'Sunshine'Two Village School CofE Primary School pupils painting their octopus called 'Sunshine'

Over 60 schools have also participated in the education programme for this project and we can't wait to see the children's creations and winning designs.

Octopus Ahoy!, in partnership with Tendring District Council, is being delivered as part of the celebrations of Mayflower 400™️ and 150 Years of Clacton, by KAT Marketing.

Gazette: Mondrianopus by Rodney ByrdMondrianopus by Rodney Byrd

Find out more about Octopus Ahoy! at www.octopusahoy.co.uk or join in the conversation on social media using #OctopusAhoy.