Amaze Story Trail - Audrey and Rex with Sweet Memory BookBench by Ilona Drew - Photo by Emma Bailey Photography

Local charity Amaze unveils new art trail for 2026 at The British Engineerium - inviting everyone to #SitWithUs

Get ready to dive into Brighton & Hove’s first storybook art trail which will arrive on the streets of Brighton & Hove in the autumn 2026. You’ll be able to discover local artist’s creations on over 30 BookBench sculptures across the city’s streets and parks in the trail organised by local charity Amaze, which supports families with disabled children in Sussex.

The new BookBench sculpture and details of the Story Trail was unveiled at The Engineerium today, 1 October, with families who use Amaze services, local businesses and local artists in attendance.

Actor Will Ellis, who plays Theo Hawthorne in Eastenders, hosted the event. Will is an ambassador for Amaze having used the charity to support his son who is non-verbal. Will said: “Amaze has gone a long way to help us out, so I’m really happy to support them. I’d encourage any local business to take up the chance of sponsoring this awesome city-wide event.”

Smaller BookBenches will also add chapters to the city’s Story Trail which will be decorated by local schools and community groups.

Hannah Albrooke, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Amaze said: “We are thrilled to be bringing this new Story Trail to our city next autumn. The Story Trail will invite people to discover the immense creativity and imagination displayed on each BookBench throughout the city. Our sculpture is a BookBench, which means each art piece also acts as a convenient spot to rest. As a disability charity, we are designing the trail with accessibility in mind and can’t wait to reveal more over the next 12 months.”

You will find a map of each painted BookBench location on the Amaze website at https://amazesussex.org.uk/thestorytrail and on a mobile app when the trail routes are announced next year.

Sally Polanski, Chief Executive at Amaze added: “We’re really excited to be launching our new Story Trail. This immersive city-wide art trail will also help us raise vital funds and write new brighter chapters for many local families who are raising a child with a disability or special educational needs.

“Many people aren’t aware that it costs three times as much to raise a child with a disability, so all funds raised through next year’s Story Trail will provide a much needed boost and help us offer more practical and advisory services for the families who use Amaze,” said Polanski.

The Story Trail is produced in partnership with global art producers Wild in Art. Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art said: “We’re delighted to partner with Amaze to bring the Story Trail to life in Brighton and Hove. Our BookBenches celebrate creativity, storytelling, and community and we can’t wait to see how local artists make each sculpture their own. It’s a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to get involved, show their support, and be part of something truly special in the city next year.”

Artists will be invited to take part and showcase their ideas on a BookBench in early 2026 and businesses looking to get involved can do so now by contacting sponsors@storytrail.org.uk. More information for prospective artists and business sponsors is online at https://amazesussex.org.uk/thestorytrail