Who let the dogs out? The Kirkwood, that’s who! A special art trail – Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees – has sprung up in towns and villages across Kirklees.

A pack of colourfully-decorated Snowdog sculptures has been installed at various locations around the district, creating a spectacular event for the local community – and visitors – to enjoy.

Inspired by The Snowman and The Snowdog by Raymond Briggs, Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees brings the magic of the Snowdog character to life this autumn.

A team of artists have been hard at work turning the plain white Snowdogs into individual works of art.

Thirty-one uniquely designed Snowdogs, along with 30 mini sculptures, are on display around Kirklees for visitors to discover and enjoy as part of a world class public arts event never seen before in West Yorkshire.

There are 10 in Huddersfield town centre, five in Dewsbury, four in Slaithwaite, four in Holmfirth, three in Batley, three in Cleckheaton and two in Birstall.

The Kirkwood has teamed up with event experts Wild in Art, which has been delivering high profile events across the globe for over 10 years, raising more than £15 million for charitable causes.

A spokesman for The Kirkwood said: “Whether you’re heading off on a trek with your canine companion, love finding new things to do with friends or prefer to take on your adventures solo, joining our art trail is a fun way to get out in the great outdoors, discover hidden gems and enjoy amazing artwork on display in some truly unexpected places.

“It’s a fantastic way to entertain the kids on a weekend or during the half-term holiday too, combining exploration, education and excitement for little ones and adults alike.

“Our large Snowdog sculptures have been sponsored by some great businesses and individually designed by some truly amazing artists.

“Schools from across Kirklees have also been getting creative, creating some truly inspirational designs and decorating 37 Snowdog Pups, which have also joined the trail.”

Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees runs from Friday September 2 to Monday October 31. It’s free to take part, with all money raised through donations helping to support The Kirkwood, which provides vital care for people affected by any life-limiting illness in towns and villages across Kirklees, every step of the way.

All the large Snowdogs have been sponsored by local businesses and they will be auctioned off at the end of November, with proceeds going to The Kirkwood.

The auction will be held at Rybrook Land Rover in Huddersfield on November 30 with guest auctioneer Charles Hanson, of TV’s Bargain Hunt.

To take part, pick up a Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees Trail Map from any of The Kirkwood charity shops or from any of the following:

Huddersfield

Deighton Sports Arena, Lockwood Park Health & Fitness Club, Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees Pop Up Shop (Huddersfield), Huddersfield Art Gallery, KAL Huddersfield Leisure Centre, Kirklees College (Pioneer House, Huddersfield), KAL Stadium Health & Fitness Club, Kings Head (Huddersfield), Arcade Coffee & Food (Huddersfield), Huddersfield BID, Huddersfield Railway Station, Vinyl Tap (Huddersfield), The Park Café at Greenhead Park (Huddersfield), Colne Valley Green Grocers, Tolson Museum (Moldgreen).

South Kirklees

Scissett Baths & Fitness Centre, Denby Dale Coffee Shop & Library, Holmfirth Co-Op & Cafeteria, Old Bridge Bakery (Holmfirth), Ribbles of Holmfirth, Fair Trader Gift Shop (Holmfirth), Tottie’s Garden Centre (Holmfirth), KAL Holmfirth Pool & Fitness Centre, Holmfirth Library, Vanilla Bean (Slaithwaite), Globe Arts Studio (Slaithwaite), KAL Slaithwaite, Slaithwaite Post Office, Hadfield’s Slaithwaite, The Handmade Bakery (Slaithwaite), Co-Op Food (Slaithwaite).

North Kirklees 

Birstall Library, Birstall Post Office, Co-Op Food (Birstall), The Kirkwood Furniture Shop (Mirfield), Mirfield Co-Op, Batley Baths & Recreation Centre, KAL Spen Valley, Cloggs Coffee Shop Dewsbury, KAL Dewsbury, Dewsbury Railway Station, Dewsbury Post Office, Dewsbury Minster, Eve’s Café (Cleckheaton), Sweet Pea Hair & Beauty Cleckheaton, Marshalls Coffee House & Bakery (Cleckheaton), Hadfield’s Cleckheaton, George’s Bistro & Bar (Cleckheaton), Picnik’s Sandwich Bar (Batley), The Gables Café (Batley), Funny Onion Café (Batley), KAL Batley Sports & Tennis Centre, The Mill Batley.

For a more interactive experience download the trail app, which will track your progress and unlock special rewards. It will even count the number of steps you take.

The app – called Snowdogs Support Life – is available from the App Store and Google Play and costs £1.79. A portion of the proceeds goes to The Kirkwood.

Watch the Snowdogs being lifted into position HERE