Kim Neith Thompson and Rob Neith Nicholson of Neith Art & Sculpture. Photo: Discover Newmarket.
In its 10th anniversary year, Discover Newmarket – the not-for-profit tourism organisation at the heart of British flat racing – has teamed-up with Newmarket Town Council and Love Newmarket (Business Improvement District) to create a new Town Trail opening this summer, and is now calling for entries in a public competition to design three of the eight wooden sculptures that will form part of the trail.
The trail will continue the theme of “Horseplay” – the focus of all events at the National Horseracing Museum in 2025 – with a series of 4ft, chess-themed sculptures designed by Neith Art & Sculpture, who were selected from a shortlist of artists.
These unique chess pieces are reimagined through the lens of Newmarket, horse racing, and symbolic power and will be dotted around the town forming part of an imaginative trail over the summer.
Tracey Harding, chief executive of Discover Newmarket, said: “We are excited to unveil a new Town Trail this summer and to involve the local community in designing elements of the trail that will be sited across Newmarket.
“It’s a chance for people to tell their own stories and how these are inextricably linked to the heritage and culture of our wonderful racing town.
“There is a series of community workshops taking place across Newmarket and I simply can’t wait to see the breathtaking designs and in due course the resulting sculptures too.”
Natalie Robinson, manager of Love Newmarket BID added: “We are always looking at novel ways to attract visitors to the town centre and we anticipate this exciting, artistic trail to be of great interest.
“We will be working with the businesses in the town to encourage a host of games-themed events, and are launching an interactive board game for families in the Guineas Shopping Centre.”
Phillipa Winters, the Mayor of Newmarket said: “Newmarket Town Council is always keen to support initiatives which enhance our town and involve community engagement.
“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors and residents alike, who will learn about our history through this novel and innovative trail.”
The competition is open to everyone, regardless of age or artistic experience, with entrants invited to submit original designs that tell their own story through motifs on a “pawn” chess piece.
The winning designs will be carved in wood at a live event which will kick-off the new Town Trail on July 19.
Details of how to enter can be found on the Discover Newmarket website at: https://discovernewmarket.co.uk/latest_news/summer-town-trail-competition/
The closing date for entries is June 16 and the winners will be announced on June 20.
