A FESTIVE community art trail has launched and produced nearly 600 hand-decorated stars.

Harwich Stars has seen school children from all eight primary schools around Harwich and Dovercourt decorate the stars.

The stars are displayed proudly in shopfronts or from ceilings of businesses throughout Harwich and Dovercourt.

Sponsored by Galloper wind farm, the Harwich stars trail gives visitors the chance to see creations from young artists during Christmas.

Each year Galloper offshore wind farm’s 56 turbines generate enough green electricity to power the equivalent of more than 380,000 British homes.

Sean Chenery, General Manager at Galloper Wind Farm said: “As a local employer at the heart of the Harwich community, we are delighted to support the star trail and thrilled that all of the local primary schools have taken part in this celebration in the build up to Christmas.”

Harwich Stars is coordinated by KAT marketing, one of the businesses behind the ‘Octopus Ahoy!’ art trail that took over Tendring streets last summer.

Harwich and Dovercourt residents were so inspired by the art of Octopus Ahoy, they implored KAT marketing to come to their town.

Katie Skingle, Managing Director of KAT Marketing said: “This is a truly special opportunity to come together as a community in the build up to Christmas.

“We would like to say a big thank you to all the primary schools involved and the 62 local businesses that are displaying the stars.

“It’s going to be a great way to bring some extra sparkle to Harwich and Dovercourt this Christmas.”

A similar event was run in Colchester in 2019, future events depend on factors like more partners and increased staff at venues.

Those interested have until Monday, January 3 to see the stars on display around Harwich.

To find out where to see the stars, you can download the festive trail map here: www.historicharwich.co.uk.