Final two weeks to complete 'Light the South' art trail across Southampton and Cowes

With just over two weeks remaining, those yet to complete the ‘Light the South’ Art Trail are encouraged to lace up their trainers and cross the finish line before the event concludes on 1 September.

Featuring 40 eight-foot lighthouses—35 in Southampton and five in Cowes—the trail also includes an additional 40 mini lighthouses displayed in shop windows and landmarks across the area. Each lighthouse, uniquely designed by local artists, celebrates the culture, heritage, and diversity of the South.

The event, organised by Red Funnel, supports the Southampton Hospitals Charity, with funds directed to Southampton Children’s Hospital, a key healthcare provider for young people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Trail participants can use the free ‘Light the South’ app, available on the App Store and Google Play, to track and collect lighthouses.

Each lighthouse features a plaque with a unique code, allowing users to unlock special offers as they reach milestones.

Since its launch on 1 July, the trail has seen thousands of visitors, with the most popular lighthouse, “Supermarine Spitfire” by Tim Sutcliffe, situated outside the Above Bar entrance to Westquay.

To facilitate trail completion, Red Funnel is offering a special foot passenger rate for those who scan codes at either of the ferry operator’s two sponsored lighthouses near their terminals: “Solent Ships” in Southampton by Martin Davey and “Light of Green” in East Cowes by Rachael & Phillippa Corcutt.

The offer includes a £10 return fare for adults, a £5 fare for children, and a £25 family rate. These fares are valid on all Red Funnel ferry services, including the Red Jet service between Southampton and West Cowes.

In addition to the main trail, Red Funnel has launched the ‘Light the South Window Spotting’ trail, featuring 40 mini lighthouses displayed in shop windows across Cowes and East Cowes.

This trail, which runs until 12 September, offers participants the chance to win one of ten ‘paint your own lighthouse’ sculptures by submitting their completed maps at Red Funnel terminals.

Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said: “The trail is a great way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying the outdoors. Many of our colleagues have already completed it, with some managing to visit all the lighthouses in a single day. Whether you take on the challenge in one go or spread it out, we hope you’ll join in the fun!”

The grand finale of the ‘Light the South’ event will see the large lighthouse sculptures displayed at the Southampton International Boat Show before being auctioned on 20 September, with all proceeds going to Southampton Children’s Hospital.

For more information on the trail, visit Light the South.

To download the Light the South app, see here:

• Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/light-the-south/id6503891232
• Android/Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wildinart.lightthesouth