Elf Trail
The Elf Trail built on the popularity of the much-loved Elf on the Shelf tradition and brought it into a local community setting during the lead-up to Christmas.
Artists visited local primary schools and worked with children to create their own unique elves. The project supported National Curriculum requirements while providing an opportunity for children to develop practical sewing and craft skills. Many teaching staff welcomed the workshops, as sewing can be challenging to deliver effectively in a classroom environment with large groups of children.
Working collaboratively, children created different parts of each elf in small groups. As this was a complex process, two artists led the sessions, with up to six activities taking place simultaneously. Once completed, the individual body parts were assembled to create the finished elves. Children then named their creations, with names ranging from festive favourites such as Holly, Twinkle and Jingle to more unexpected choices such as Brian.
The completed elves were placed in local high street shops, where shopkeepers hid them among their displays and shelves. Participating businesses showcased posters in their windows, inviting families to join the trail and search for the hidden elves.
The day before the trail opened, artists returned to participating schools to help children create elf-themed Christmas crackers. These contained promotional leaflets advertising the trail, alongside the traditional contents of a Christmas cracker. Children then took the crackers home and encouraged their families to take part.
The opening of the trail was typically timed to coincide with the town's Christmas tree lighting event. Families were invited to explore the town and find the elves that the children had created. Each elf displayed a letter, and together these letters formed a festive phrase. Participants collected the letters, rearranged them to reveal the phrase, and completed an entry form for a prize draw. Entries were submitted via a special elf post box. The trail ran for approximately two weeks, with the prize draw taking place during the final week.
The project was delivered to Year 3 and Year 4 pupils through nine workshops across three schools, engaging approximately 270 children. The trail itself was open to the wider community, encouraging participation from residents and visitors alike.
Project Outcomes
Increased footfall in local shops and businesses.
Strengthened connections between schools, families and local retailers.
Developed practical creative skills among participating children.
Encouraged community engagement and participation.
Provided a fun and memorable festive experience for all involved.
The winnner of the Elf Trail was Alisha Eldrett.
Artists visited local primary schools and worked with children to create their own unique elves. The project supported National Curriculum requirements while providing an opportunity for children to develop practical sewing and craft skills. Many teaching staff welcomed the workshops, as sewing can be challenging to deliver effectively in a classroom environment with large groups of children.
Working collaboratively, children created different parts of each elf in small groups. As this was a complex process, two artists led the sessions, with up to six activities taking place simultaneously. Once completed, the individual body parts were assembled to create the finished elves. Children then named their creations, with names ranging from festive favourites such as Holly, Twinkle and Jingle to more unexpected choices such as Brian.
The completed elves were placed in local high street shops, where shopkeepers hid them among their displays and shelves. Participating businesses showcased posters in their windows, inviting families to join the trail and search for the hidden elves.
The day before the trail opened, artists returned to participating schools to help children create elf-themed Christmas crackers. These contained promotional leaflets advertising the trail, alongside the traditional contents of a Christmas cracker. Children then took the crackers home and encouraged their families to take part.
The opening of the trail was typically timed to coincide with the town's Christmas tree lighting event. Families were invited to explore the town and find the elves that the children had created. Each elf displayed a letter, and together these letters formed a festive phrase. Participants collected the letters, rearranged them to reveal the phrase, and completed an entry form for a prize draw. Entries were submitted via a special elf post box. The trail ran for approximately two weeks, with the prize draw taking place during the final week.
The project was delivered to Year 3 and Year 4 pupils through nine workshops across three schools, engaging approximately 270 children. The trail itself was open to the wider community, encouraging participation from residents and visitors alike.
Project Outcomes
Increased footfall in local shops and businesses.
Strengthened connections between schools, families and local retailers.
Developed practical creative skills among participating children.
Encouraged community engagement and participation.
Provided a fun and memorable festive experience for all involved.
The winnner of the Elf Trail was Alisha Eldrett.
