Elmer the Patchwork Elephant sculpture trail to be located in Milton Keynes this summer

MyMiltonKeynes has announced it will be bringing a family‑friendly sculpture trail to the city centre this summer, with the launch of Elmer’s Art Parade.

Inspired by the children’s book character Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, the trail will officially launch on Saturday 11th July and will run throughout the school summer holidays.

The event will see 12 Elmer sculptures installed at key locations across Milton Keynes City Centre, with the trail designed to engage children, families and visitors of all ages.

Elmer’s Art Parade will encourage exploration, movement and discovery throughout the city centre. Participants will be invited to follow the trails, uncovering each uniquely designed Elmer while experiencing different areas of the city along the way.

MyMiltonKeynes said the trail formed part of their, “ongoing commitment to boosting footfall and increasing dwell time across multiple city‑centre zones. By installing eye‑catching sculptures and memorable moments, Elmer’s Art Parade is expected to generate strong social media engagement, helping to amplify Milton Keynes’ profile organically through shareable content. The launch also comes as Milton Keynes celebrates being longlisted for UK City of Culture 2026, further highlighting the city’s growing cultural ambition and making this the perfect moment to introduce a vibrant, family‑friendly art trail.”

Jill Farnsworth, representing MyMiltonKeynes, said, “Elmer’s story is all about celebrating difference and recognising that being unique is something to be proud of, and that message really resonates with Milton Keynes. We’re not like other cities and that’s exactly what we love about this place. Elmer’s Art Parade allows us to showcase that uniqueness and transform our city centre into a colourful and memorable art gallery during the summer months. It is part of a wider programme of standout city‑centre events being developed by the BID, that will create genuine excitement, draw people in and help establish Milton Keynes as a place known for big, memorable experiences.”

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art, added, “We’re delighted to be bringing Elmer’s Art Parade to Milton Keynes this summer in partnership with MyMiltonKeynes. This much-loved story has a unique ability to spark imagination across generations, and this trail turns that magic into a captivating, outdoor experience for the whole community.

“Our trails are designed to bring people together, encourage exploration, and create moments of joy in everyday spaces. As families discover each beautifully designed Elmer sculpture, they’ll enjoy a trail that’s fun, imaginative and bursting with creativity.”

Full details of sculpture locations, trail maps and supporting activities will be released closer to the launch date.