An elephant on a bus? Can you find Stampede by the Sea’s Ponty?

Ponty, one of Stampede by the Sea’s art trail elephants is going by bus on his holidays, but can you find him?

First Wessex buses are helping Stampede by the Sea’s art trail baby elephant sculpture, Ponty, enjoy his summer holidays, with some trips on the Jurassic Coaster from 12-18 August.

Stampede by the Sea is an art trail, supporting Weldmar Hospicecare, which will take place in spring 2025, across Bridport, West Bay, and Lyme Regis, featuring up to fifty elephants, designed and painted by talented artists.

Before then, passengers and holiday makers are being given the chance to find Ponty, as he takes some trips on First Wessex’s famous Jurassic Coaster bus.

To help people find Ponty on the bus, First Wessex are offering a special discounted Group Day Dorset Ticket for up to five people for £10, rather than £25. Tickets can be purchased on the First Bus app or via the driver, cash or contactless.

Maps to help follow Ponty can be found at the First Wessex Information Kiosk by Kings Statue in Weymouth, as well as Ponty stickers if he is successfully spotted. Passengers also have the chance to follow Ponty on social media and if they post a picture, with the hashtag #pontyonthebus they can come to the kiosk to get a free bus ticket for future use.

FOLLOW PONTY: Here’s which bus you can find him on each day

• X52 Weymouth to Bridport Monday 12 August
• Portland Coaster Weymouth to Portland Bill Tuesday 13 August
• X50 Weymouth to Swanage Wednesday 14 August
• Portland Coaster Weymouth to Portland Bill Thursday 15 August
• X50 Weymouth to Swanage Friday 16 August
• X52 Weymouth to Bridport Saturday 17 August
• X50 Weymouth to Swanage Sunday 18 August

James Eustace, First Bus South’s Commercial Director, said: “We’re excited to help Ponty on his bus holiday, showing people the beautiful elephant sculpture that will be part of Weldmar Hospicecare’s Stampede by the Sea art trail.

“As Transport Partners for the trail, we wanted to help people see that getting out by bus is a brilliant way to travel. We hope next Spring when the trail is in full swing that we can encourage people to choose the bus to access Stampede by the Sea.”

Caroline Hamblett, Weldmar Hospicecare CEO, said: "Stampede by the Sea is going to be a brilliant way to raise not just much needed funds, but awareness of the specialist care Weldmar provides to local adults with a life limiting illness, and support for their loved ones.

"It's so good to see, even with a few months to go before the trail goes live, that the excitement is building and thank you to First Wessex for getting people talking about what will be a fantastic event. I'm absolutely sure Ponty is going to love his week on holiday, enjoying the iconic views from the Jurassic Coaster, and no doubt getting lots of attention from travellers of all ages."