Hampshire Hogs

When we look back at 2021 in years to come it won’t be the first miserable lockdown-governed three or four months of boredom that we’ll recall.

No, it will be the joyous gatherings, mass-events and days out in the community that felt all the more special this year that will live long in the memory. 2021 will live long in the memory as the year of freedom, the year of returning to normal, and for the good people of Basingstoke 2021 will be remembered as the year of the HOG!

The works of art were out and about from 10th August until 9th October 2021 as visitors to Basingstoke’s town centre were encouraged to complete a hog-filled trail. The fabulous fleet of swine were assembled and organised by the brilliant Destination Basingstoke, the not-for-profit organisation make no secrets of their aims to create positive experiences for residents, visitors and business; enhance the reputation of the town; celebrate culture and heritage; and contribute to civic pride​. All of which were duly ticked by the Hampshire Hogs, who after a summer of being spotted and snapped by the general public they were auctioned off.

The Charity Auction of the Hampshire Hogs took place in Festival Place with all Hogs raising funds for good causes local and national, with over £15,000 raised from the sales. Bidders attended the auction in person, or joined in online with the auction managed by Andrew Smith & Son.

Felicity Edwards of Destination Basingstoke delighted in telling CommunityAd that the Hogs have all found new homes and wanted our readers to have the following update:

“There was a wonderful atmosphere with potential buyers, sponsors and artists gathering to see this culmination of the Hampshire Hogs project. The project has been such a feature of life in Basingstoke over the last few months, and we are all so pleased that it has brought some colour and fun back to our town. What is especially gratifying is being able to give a very public platform for the incredible talent of our local artists.

“There are so many people to thank for helping us make this project a reality, from the support from the many businesses and organisations that committed to funding it during the height of the pandemic, to the app developer, our haulage contractor and other suppliers and partners behind the scenes and especially to the commitment and hard work of the small team at Destination Basingstoke that pulled it all together in spite of so many challenges. We hope now that the connections created and the Hogs in their new homes, will leave a legacy of hope and creativity for Basingstoke”.

Find out more about the work of Destination Basingstoke such as Hampshire Hogs via their website.