Trunks across the Thames 2026
After months of excitement and anticipation, the streets, parks and public spaces of Slough and Windsor were transformed by a spectacular herd of more than 90 beautifully decorated elephant sculptures as Trunks across the Thames, a Wild in Art event brought by Thames Hospice, officially opened.
From 13 July to 13 September, these incredible larger-than-life artworks transformed the community into one giant outdoor gallery, inviting families, friends, neighbours and visitors to explore, discover and make memories together.
The trail was completely free, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy. Whether following the full route or discovering just a few elephants along the way, visitors could enjoy a unique summer experience across Windsor and Slough while learning more about the work of Thames Hospice.
Thousands of people were expected to follow the trail throughout the summer, making it one of the region’s biggest and most colourful events of the year.
Download the trail app
Meet the baby elephants designed and painted by schools, community organisations and other places of learning.
Your donations make a BIG difference
Your donations help provide hospice care for patients like Duncan – watch the video to see how this care helped him walk again and make memories with his family.
DonateCharity Auction
After the excitement of our trail across Slough and Windsor in the Summer of 2026, our incredible elephants will be auctioned to raise vital funds for Thames Hospice.
Register your interestA 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.
Find out more
Join the Stampede
#trunksxthames
What a journey it’s been. 🐘💚
From the first elephant arriving to seeing the herd come to life across Windsor and Slough, Trunks across the Thames has been made so special by the incredible people behind it and everyone who has supported it along the way.
A huge thank you to our artists, sponsors, volunteers, partners, supporters and everyone who has explored the trail, shared their photos and got involved.
Together, we’ve created something truly special for our community while raising vital funds for Thames Hospice.
Thank you for being part of the Trunks across the Thames journey. 🐘✨
#TrunksacrosstheThames #ThamesHospice
🐘 The Herd Under the Hammer is coming!
On 15 October, a selection of the remaining Trunks across the Thames elephants will go under the hammer, alongside some incredible artworks, all raising vital funds for Thames Hospice. 💚
After bringing colour and joy to Windsor, Eton Maidenhead and Slough this summer, this is your chance to give one of these very special pieces a new home.
Could one be coming home with you? 🐘
Register to bid at trunksacrossthethames.co.uk/auction
#TrunksAcrossTheThames #ThamesHospice #TheHerdUnderTheHammer #Auction
🐘 One final gathering. One last chance to see the herd together. And then… one could be yours!
On 15 October, our elephants will come together for one final time before each sculpture is auctioned, raising vital funds for Thames Hospice.💚
Could you take one home? 🐘
Register your interest at https://trunksacrossthethames.co.uk/auction/
#TrunksacrosstheThames #ThamesHospice #TheHerdundertheHammer #auction
💚 And suddenly, it’s time to say goodbye…for now 👀
Last night, our beautiful herd left the streets and began their journey home. After weeks of bringing smiles, laughter, wonder and so many special memories to our communities, the streets feel a little quieter without them this morning 🥹🐘
It’s hard to put into words what an incredible journey this has been. From the first day the elephants arrived, to seeing families searching for their favourites, friends exploring the trail together, and our wonderful community coming out to support something so special – every moment has been made possible by you. And although the herd are heading home, their journey isn’t over yet.
On 26 September, they’ll come together one final time for the Final Parade, a chance to celebrate these magnificent sculptures, the incredible artists behind them, everyone who has supported the trail, and the amazing team and volunteers who helped bring this project to life.
On 15 October, our herd will be auctioned to raise vital funds for the hospice, helping us continue providing compassionate care and support to local people and their families when they need it most.
So this isn’t really goodbye…it’s a huge THANK YOU!🤩
Thank you for following the trail, for sharing your photos and memories, for stopping, smiling and taking a moment to enjoy the elephants. And thank you for helping turn something beautiful into something that will make a very real difference!
We can’t wait to see you all on 26 September for one final, unforgettable celebration. Until then…thank you for the memories 💚
#trunksacrossthethames #thameshospice #charityauction
🐘 THE FINAL PARADE IS SOLD OUT! 🐘
Every ticket for ‘The Final Parade’ at Thames Hospice on Saturday 26 September has now been snapped up.
A huge thank you to everyone who has booked to join us for this very special final gathering of the Trunks across the Thames herd. We can’t wait to see you there. 💛
Missed out on tickets? Keep following us for more from the herd as we head towards the final chapter – our ‘Herd under the Hammer’ auction.
#TrunksAcrossTheThames #TheFinalParade #ThamesHospice