Elmer Trail to launch in CMK

MyMiltonKeynes is set to bring a burst of colour and creativity to Milton Keynes city centre this summer with the launch of Elmer’s Art Parade, a free, family-friendly sculpture trail inspired by the beloved children’s character Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.

The trail will officially open on Saturday 11th July and will run throughout the school summer holidays, featuring 12 individually designed Elmer sculptures placed at key locations across the city centre. Each sculpture will form part of a wider outdoor gallery designed to encourage exploration, discovery and movement through different areas of the city.

Visitors will be invited to follow the trail and uncover each uniquely decorated Elmer, with the aim of turning an everyday visit into an interactive cultural experience for families, residents and tourists alike.

The initiative is part of MyMiltonKeynes’ ongoing drive to increase footfall and encourage people to spend more time in the city centre. By introducing eye-catching public art installations and shareable moments, organisers hope the trail will also generate strong engagement on social media, helping to raise the city’s cultural profile during a landmark year for Milton Keynes, which has been shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2026.

Jill Farnsworth, representing MyMiltonKeynes, said Elmer’s message of celebrating individuality strongly reflects the identity of the city itself. She described the project as a way of showcasing Milton Keynes’ uniqueness while transforming the city centre into a vibrant open-air gallery over the summer months, alongside a wider programme of large-scale events aimed at creating memorable visitor experiences.

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art, said the trail is designed to spark imagination across generations, encouraging families to explore public spaces in a fun and engaging way. He added that each sculpture offers a moment of creativity and joy as visitors discover the full collection across the trail.

Further details, including sculpture locations, trail maps and supporting activities, will be released closer to launch via the MyMiltonKeynes consumer website.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, created by author and illustrator David McKee, has sold more than 12 million books worldwide and remains a symbol of friendship, individuality and celebrating difference.