12 September – 8 November 2026
Brighton & Hove is set to become one giant open-air storybook this autumn, as more than 30 beautifully painted BookBench sculptures appear across the city as part of The Story Trail.
Organised by Sussex charity Amaze, which supports families with disabled children, and produced in partnership with public art specialists Wild in Art, the free-to-access trail will take walkers from the Marina to Portslade and Patcham, with each BookBench offering its own colourful take on storytelling, art and the city.
And these aren’t just sculptures to admire. Each bench is designed to be sat on, offering somewhere to pause, rest and take in the surroundings — while encouraging people to explore parts of Brighton & Hove they might not normally visit.
Sit, explore and discover
Launching on 12 September, The Story Trail invites visitors to #SitWithUs and discover the work of more than 30 local artists, each of whom has transformed a BookBench into a completely individual piece of public art.
The benches can be found in public spaces across the city (see map), creating a walking route that’s as much about discovering Brighton & Hove as it is about the artwork itself.
For those who like a little extra incentive, every BookBench features a unique code that can be entered into the free Story Trail app. As you work your way around the trail, the app unlocks rewards, discounts and offers from Amaze’s partners, alongside digital content and other surprises.
The app is free to download, with Amaze suggesting a £2 donation to help cover the cost of the trail and support its work with families across Sussex.
Prefer to leave the phone at home? A £5 printed Story Trail sticker book follows the same route, giving families a screen-free way to explore the benches and collect stickers along the way.
Look out for the little benches too
The big BookBenches aren’t the only sculptures to look out for.
More than 42 miniature BookBenches have been created and decorated by local schools, nurseries and community groups. These smaller artworks will pop up at a variety of indoor and outdoor locations, including libraries, museums, leisure centres and shops.
It’s a lovely extension of the trail’s community spirit, giving younger artists and local groups the chance to put their own stamp on the city.
Start with a story
The trail launches with a special Read Along event in the Pavilion Gardens, beside artist Fiona Blair’s BookBench near the Pavilion Café.
Taking place from 11am–12.30pm on 12 September, children and families are invited to bring along a favourite book and settle in for a shared reading session with friends and Fiona Blair.
It’s a fitting way to launch a trail built around the simple idea that stories, art and public spaces are better when they’re shared.
Art with a purpose
While The Story Trail promises plenty of colour and creativity, there’s an important purpose behind it.
Amaze works with families with disabled children across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex, as well as young people with SEND aged 14–25, providing advice, support groups, resources and help with the practical and financial challenges families can face.
The trail has been designed with inclusivity and accessibility at its heart, with the BookBenches offering places to stop and rest as people explore the route.
Money raised through the app, sticker book sales, sponsorship and a charity auction in November will all go towards supporting Amaze’s work.
“We work with families with disabled children, so inclusivity is crucial,” says Hannah Albrooke, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Amaze. “We hope that as well as providing new places to rest and recover, the BookBench sculptures will also act as a springboard for discussion and creativity.”
With support from organisations including Brighton & Hove Buses, Brighton & Hove Albion, Hopscotch Children’s Nurseries, TrustedHousesitters, Plus Accounting and Legal & General, the trail is also bringing together businesses, artists, schools and communities from across the city.
Your autumn challenge
Whether you make a day of it with the family, combine a few benches with a coffee stop, or attempt to find all 30-plus sculptures across the city, The Story Trail is an easy excuse to see Brighton & Hove from a different perspective.
So grab your walking shoes, download the app — or pick up the sticker book — and start exploring.
The Story Trail runs from 12 September to 8 November 2026.
Find the trail map, download the app and discover more:
Amaze Story Trail
Story Trail sticker book: £5
Buy the sticker book
Launch event: Read Along, 12 September, 11am–12.30pm, Pavilion Gardens.
Find out more and register
See the MAP
