Phoenix rises in new outdoor artwork trail around Hilsea from Fair Ways
A spectacular live carving event along the scenic marine front at Gunwharf Quays has helped form part of a major new art installation in the Hilsea area.
This two-day artistic celebration saw the creation of the main Phoenix installation, a beautiful wooden sculpture that has formed the iconic centrepiece of the new Fair Ways Phoenix Journey, supported by the leading Children’s charity. The Phoenix will remain on display at Gunwharf Quays for the foreseeable future, welcoming visitors and symbolising hope, resilience, and community spirit.
About the art installation
The Fair Ways Phoenix Journey is an inspiring outdoor walking trail in Portsmouth designed to celebrate stories of resilience, hope and the achievements of care-experienced people. Set within the beautiful surroundings of Hilsea Lines and forming part of the wider Hilsea Lido redevelopment, the Phoenix Journey blends nature, art and storytelling into a meaningful route for families, schools and the wider community. The full trail, featuring a series of beautifully handcrafted wooden installations representing powerful narratives of growth and perseverance, will open in late 2026.
The Phoenix installation is a striking symbol of strength and renewal, rising from the ashes to signify new beginnings, making it a particularly fitting emblem for a project that highlights the strength and potential of care-experienced young people.
About Fair Ways
Fair Ways is an award-winning children’s services charity based in the south of England, delivering fostering, education, residential and family services. The organisation cares for hundreds of children and young people each year and works to celebrate their stories, challenge perceptions and grow a compassionate, resilient and trauma-informed community.
We are delighted to bring this creative experience to life in the heart of Portsmouth. The Phoenix embodies hope, strength and transformation, values that resonate deeply with the care-experienced community we support. We can’t wait to share this journey with everyone who visits.
Yvonne Clay, Centre Director at Gunwharf Quays, commented: “We were thrilled to host the live carving event this weekend, and to become home to such a meaningful sculpture. We encourage our guests to come down, see the carving firsthand, and support this fantastic initiative.”
Fair Ways would like to extend its sincere gratitude to its partners: Gunwharf Quays and Portsmouth City Council for their continued support and collaboration on this project. Their contributions have been instrumental in bringing the Phoenix Journey to life and helping create a landmark experience for Portsmouth.
For more information about Fair Ways, the Fair Ways Phoenix Journey and how to get involved, please visit www.fairways.co/phoenix-journey