Thank you to everyone who visited our owls across Chichester and Arundel over the summer!
What’s the Big Hoot in-aid of?
The Big Hoot will help raise funds and awareness of Chestnut Tree House. This is a special year for the hospice as it celebrates it’s 21st anniversary!
Over £5 million is needed every year to provide hospice care for local children and their families. Very little of this comes from the government. The rest comes from the amazing donations we receive, from people like you.
Because of your donations, we’ve had an amazing 21 years of
Helping families create precious memories
Supporting parents, carers and siblings.
Providing specialist end-of-life care.
Helping families to say goodbye, in the way that is right for them.
Offering ongoing bereavement support.
Creating opportunities for fun and laughter.
What’s the Big Hoot all about?
A family-friendly fun day out in Chichester and Arundel! Whether you’re visiting for the day, or you’re a local, young or old – there’s fun to be had for everyone.
Watch out for 30 large arty owl sculptures nesting around Chichester and Arundel in summer 2024. You’ll be able to discover these decorative art sculptures nestled in various locations across the two town centres.
There’s also have a parliament of little owls decorated by local schools and groups. These mini sculptures will be displayed at indoor such as shops, museums and libraries across the town centres.
10 July 2024 – 1 September 2024
An artistic showcase
Every owl will be uniquely designed by local and national artists, these owls will be nestling around Chichester and Arundel for you to explore. You’ll be able to follow the outdoor trail finding each owl – which all tell a different story through their design.
All of the large owls will be auctioned at the end of the trail to raise money for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice.
Find out about our sculptures
FAQs about the art trail
What is the Big Hoot?
The Big Hoot is a free sculpture trail, taking place in Chichester and Arundel in July – September 2024. The sculptures have been designed by different artists, and there’ll be 30 large, unique owls to find!
There’ll also be an exhibition of all our little owlets – mini owl sculptures – designed and decorated by local schools and youth groups.
Who’s behind The Big Hoot?
The Big Hoot 2024 is a Wild in Art event, all in support of Chestnut Tree House – a children’s hospice located just outside Arundel. Find out about Chestnut Tree House >
I have the app, but my signal in Chichester is weak!
We’re aware that in some spots in Chichester you might find that certain network providers have less, or no network. Unfortunately this means that the app functionality is compromised – and you won’t be able to ‘collect’ the owl while your network is down.
However, once you regain network you’ll be able to collect the owl, so keep a record of the collection code so you can snap up your reward when you regain the internet signal.
Is the trail free?
Yes, you’ll be able to enjoy all the owls completely for free.
While the art trail is free, we would love for you to make a donation to Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice if you can.
To donate just £5 text HOOT to 70580
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
Where will the owls be located?
All owls will be located in Chichester and Arundel. The large owls are located in accessible outside spaces.* The little owls are indoors, in shops, museums and libraries across both towns.
*Please note that one owl – Aurora – located in Arundel Town Square is not wheelchair accessible. However the plaque for the owl with all her information and the collection code for the app will be located in the nearby Arundel Chestnut Tree House charity shop.
- Download the App to locate all the owls!
- Download the online map or pick one up from one of our charity shops
Is there any merchandise I can buy?
Buy your Big Hoot merchandise on our eBay store, or in person at one of the Chestnut Tree House Charity shops.
By visiting our shops and buying some Big Hoot goodies you’re raising funds for Chestnut Tree House.
Prices start from just £1!
Where do I keep up to date?
Can I climb on the owl sculptures?
Please do not climb on the sculptures! Our owls much prefer you taking a selfie stood next to them instead.
We’d love to see any of your owl selfies you take – tag us on Instagram @chestnutowls
Where do I park in Chichester and Arundel?
Chichester – The largest and most affordable car park is Northgate car park. This is next to Chichester Festival Theatre, where you will find your first owl, Owliver!
Arundel – There is a large car park by the museum, opposite the cathedral entrance, close to a couple of our owls. Or a more affordable place to park is the Arundel Lido, which is a few minutes’ walk (but you’ll also find a Little Hoot owl in Gaskyns en-route).
Sundays in both Chichester and Arundel: Free street parking is available!
All carparks and local facilities are marked on the trail map!
What do I do if I see one of the owls is damaged?
Please get in touch if you notice any issues with the owls, including damages or graffiti. We’ll make sure the owl is safe and fixed back up in no time.
Contact us: thebighoot@chestnut.org.uk
Winner – 2023 2023 Year of Culture Project, Leeds Compassionate City Awards
Finalist – Best Arts or Cultural Event, New Zealand Events Awards 2023
Finalist – Best Use of Event or Community Fundraising Initiative, Scottish Fundraising Awards 2023
Community Initiative of the Year, IOM Newspapers Awards for Excellence 2022 – Hospice Isle of Man
Special Recognition Award, Kent Charity Awards 2022 – Heart of Kent Hospice
Campaign of the Year, Scottish Charity Awards 2022 – Leuchie House
Commendation – Mobile/App Design Award, Scottish Design Awards 2022 – Blue 2
Finalist – NZEA Best Event Creative 2021 – Publica
Silver – Gov Design Awards 2021 – RCH Foundation & Alexander Know
Bee in the City, Manchester – Best Event, Manchester Culture Awards 2019
Winner – Event of the Year, PPA Scottish Magazine Awards 2019
Best Event of the Year, PR Moment Awards 2019
Finalist, Family Event of the Year, Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards 2019
Glasgow Inspiring City Awards, Art and Culture Award Winner 2019
Bee in the City, Manchester – App of the Year, Prolific North Awards 2019
Sally-Ann Wilkinson – Manchester BEE Award, Inspiring Women Awards 2019
Event of the Year and Charity Award Finalist, PRCA Dare Awards 2019
Best Not-for-Profit Event, New Zealand Events Association Awards 2018
Best Art Event / Exhibition, CityLife Awards 2018
Leading Live Event, This is Manchester Awards 2018
People’s Choice Award, Norfolk Arts Awards 2018
Special Recognition Award at Sheffield Business Awards 2017
Best One Off Event, New Zealand Events Association Awards 2015
Best Event or Festival, Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards 2015
Tourism Event of the Year, Bristol Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2013
Tourism Event of the Year, English Riviera & South Devon Tourism Awards 2013
Finalist, Australian Event Awards 2013
A Wild in Art Event
Wild in Art is the leading producer of spectacular public art events which enrich, entertain, inform and connect communities – giving people of all ages a voice through art.
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