The Buttermarket came alive on Saturday as the Hop to It! Suffolk 2025 trail officially launched, with the centre proudly unveiling its beautifully decorated hare sculpture, created by local artist Matt Robertson. The launch marks the beginning of a summer filled with free family fun and heartfelt support for St Elizabeth Hospice.
Excitement filled the air as visitors gathered to see the vibrant hare take its place at the heart of the Buttermarket. Artist Matt Robertson was in attendance to meet fans, discuss his creative process, and pose for photos with his impressive work. The sculpture, part of the wider Hop to It! art trail, is one of many hares on display across the region this summer, each helping to raise awareness and funds for the hospice’s vital work.
As well as hosting one of the trail’s most eye-catching sculptures, the Buttermarket is honoured to be the official trail HQ for Hop to It! Suffolk 2025. Located in the former Superdry unit, the hub opened its doors on Saturday morning and welcomed a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. The space offers a trail map collection point, exclusive merchandise, an engaging kids’ colouring corner, and two additional hare sculptures to enjoy.
A particularly touching feature at the HQ is the Journey Well Memory Hare, which invites visitors to dedicate a star in memory of a loved one. The heartfelt tributes already beginning to fill the sculpture added an emotional and reflective layer to the joyful celebrations.
Rebecca Bird, Centre Manager at the Buttermarket, said: “We were delighted to unveil our hare and welcome so many people to the official opening of the trail HQ. It was fantastic to have Matt Robertson with us to share his inspiration and passion for the project. The Buttermarket is incredibly proud to support St Elizabeth Hospice and to play a central role in this amazing trail, which brings creativity, community, and compassion
together in such a powerful way.”
The launch also marked the start of the Buttermarket’s Hop into the Wild summer campaign, a ten week programme of free, family friendly events inspired by the trail. From bug-themed workshops to storytelling with Butterbear, the centre will be buzzing with activity all summer long, encouraging families to explore, learn, and have fun together.
Hop to It! Suffolk 2025 runs until 29 August, and all funds raised through trail donations, merchandise sales and community contributions will go directly towards supporting the hospice’s specialist care for patients and their families across East and Mid Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.
Find out more about the trail and upcoming events at the Buttermarket by visiting our website or following us on social media.