GIANT hares are set to be leaping across the Cotswolds from next month, as part of the new Trail Festival.

80 five-foot sculptures will be in place across 20 towns and villages, nestling in hotel lobbies, tucked into shop doorways or taking centre stage on high streets.

The trail, which launches on March 25, will run until September 10, and has been arranged by Florence Beetlestone, who previously ran the Cirencester March Hare Festival for three years.

“We want to encourage people to explore all the delightful corners of the Cotswolds and to use public transport, walk and cycle the route wherever possible,” said Florence, who will host an official launch on March 22 at the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock.

The hares have been decorated by amateur and professional artists, including schools and community groups, with the trail designed to promote local businesses through tourism and to showcase the artistic talents of residents.

Communities are also encouraged to host themed events and activities as part of the festival.

“Towns and villages have a fantastic opportunity to showcase their businesses, their heritage and culture with their own internal trails of small hare sculptures,” said Florence.

“The trail is very much a catalyst to inspire towns to get involved and show off what is unique and wonderful about them.”

What’s more, those who use the trail – referred to by Florence and the other event organisers as ‘harers’ – are asked to record their sightings of each hare by uploading selfies to social media.

A trail map, which lists how many hares are in each town or village, has also been divided into four regions with suggested links in each section, and Florence warned “it will be a real challenge” to find all the hares.

In October the hares will be auctioned off with any net profits going to National Star and to local historical projects.

As a taster for the main event, the hares will be displayed at the Burford Garden Company on March 9 from 6pm to 8.30pm.

Many of the sponsors, artists, supporters, patrons and team will be present to highlight the forthcoming festival and share their inspiration.

You can apply for tickets through info@cirencestermarchharefestival.org.uk or visit cirencestermarchharefestival.org.uk for more information.