Staffy Trail brings early boost to Staffordshire economy

More than 6,000 people are estimated to have taken part in the Staffy Trail since it launched across Staffordshire.

The public art and heritage trail features giant Staffy sculptures across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

'Patch' in Lichfield (Credit: Stafford Bulletin)

Organisers estimate the trail has already generated between £87,000 and £180,000 for the local economy. The spending includes food, drink, shopping, attractions and transport.

Almost 3,000 people have used the official Staffy Trail app, with thousands more thought to have taken part using printed maps or by visiting the sculptures independently.

The trail has been delivered by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership, Staffordshire County Council and Making Trails.

It includes 11 giant Staffy sculptures across Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Tamworth, Uttoxeter and Lichfield.

The trail was launched as part of the 10th anniversary of Staffordshire Day. Each sculpture has been designed by local artists and is inspired by Staffordshire’s places, people and heritage.

Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said the response to the trail had been “fantastic”.

He said one of the aims was to encourage people to spend time in towns and city centres, and that the early figures showed a positive impact.

The next themed week, called Selfie with Staffy, runs from Saturday 6 June to Friday 12 June. Visitors are being encouraged to take photos with their favourite Staffy sculpture and share them on social media using #FollowStaffy.

The Staffy Trail is free to take part in and runs until 10 July, according to Staffordshire County Council’s latest update. The official trail app can be downloaded from the Visit Staffordshire website.