A sculpture of a dray horse could be coming to Alton as part of trail to commemorate the town’s rich history of brewing.
The Alton Brewing Heritage Trail group wants to create a series of art sculptures through a collaboration with residents and Cala Homes (Thames).
The commemorative trail – which will run alongside the Wey and through the Rivermead Gardens development – will also complete the Wey Walk that will provide residents with a car-free route from the train station to the river’s source.
The route’s five sculptures will honour brewing practices in the town from the 18th century onwards and will include a dray horse to celebrate all features of the former brewery site.
Residents can learn more next Wednesday (September 11) as the Alton Brewing Heritage Trail (ABHT) group is hosting an event with local artists and stakeholders at the Allen Gallery. The free event will give locals the opportunity to see plans for the sculptures and the stories that have inspired them.
Organisers have encouraged the community to get involved as they are keen to capture the oral history of former brewery workers or people who simply lived in Alton and remember the smell of hops pervading the town.
“Alton’s history is intertwined with brewing, and the public footpath will celebrate this and allow all residents to enjoy the beauty our town has to offer,” said ABHT group member, Louise Parker.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to our event where they can meet the artists and find out more about this exciting project.”
“We’re so grateful to Cala’s support throughout this project and can’t wait to see the town’s brewing heritage celebrated right at the heart of our community.”
The two-hour launch event will begin at 5.30pm, to confirm attendance email [email protected]