The Story Trail

Brighton & Hove Buses are proud sponsors of The Story Trail, a brand-new Wild in Art sculpture trail coming to Brighton and Hove this Autumn for local charity Amaze.

About The Story Trail

From 12th September to 8th November, a city-wide gallery of 74 ‘BookBenches’ will be on display in streets, parks and green spaces across Brighton and Hove, each an ‘open book’ ready to be discovered!

Every ‘BookBench’ has been designed by a talented local artist, each with their own unique look and story, and we’re pleased to share that we have sponsored BookBench number 29, ‘All Hail Brighton’ by Hove-based artist Martha Mitchell. 

The striking monochrome sculpture will be situated at Churchill Square for the duration of the trail, and features illustrations of popular city landmarks and local quirks bringing together everything that is Brighton and Hove - all on one bench!

Get to know Martha Mitchell and learn more about the artist’s style and inspiration in our interview here.

The Brighton & Hove Buses Travel Hub on North Street will also host a smaller ‘Learners’ BookBench entitled ‘Where Stories Meet the Sky’, created by St Andrews CE Primary School. Inspired by the children’s picture book ‘Ocean Meets Sky’ by The Fan Brothers, the sculpture celebrates the power of stories, dreams and imagination. Discover more about the bench here.

Take part in The Story Trail

Following The Story Trail is a free and fun family adventure, with BookBenches across the city accessible by bus. Read Amaze’s accessibility trail guide here.

Those taking part in the trail can find all of the sculptures using a ‘Story Trail map’. Physical maps are a £2 donation to Amaze (or free with a library or Compass card) and are available to purchase with a cash or card donation from the Brighton & Hove Buses Travel Hub throughout the trail. Download a PDF version of the map here.

Story Trail explorers can also download the official mobile app for free and unlock unique rewards when particular BookBenches are ‘scanned’ and ticked off by the user. Scan ‘All Hail Brighton’ and collect an exclusive Martha Mitchell x Brighton & Hove Buses fridge magnet! The limited-edition magnet can be claimed from the Brighton & Hove Buses Travel Hub on North Street, Travel Desk at Conway Street, Hove, or at ‘Story Trail HQ’ in Churchill Square.

Participants are encouraged where possible to make a donation to Amaze, to purchase trail merchandise or attend events by Amaze. 

Visit ‘All Hail Brighton’ and ‘Where Stories Meet the Sky’ by bus

BookBench Number 29: Martha Mitchell’s ‘All Hail Brighton’ - Churchill Square:

Churchill Square Stop C1, C2, C3, C4 (Eastbound) C5, C6 (Westbound)

Imperial Arcade Stop C7, C8

Clock Tower Stop T1, T2

Small ‘Learners’ Bench: St Andrews CE Primary School ‘Where Stories Meet the Sky’ - Brighton & Hove Buses Travel Hub:

North Street Stop N7, N6, N5 (Westbound) N2, N3 (Eastbound)

Plan your journey on our mobile app or visit our online 'Journey Planner' here.

Image: Amaze