Premier League Songkran Sand Trophy
Our creative engagement with Thailand's Songkran ‘Wan Lai’ festival seamlessly blended local traditions with the global appeal of the Premier League, creating a surprising and delightful experience for fans.Thai New Year, or Songkran, also known as the “water festival,” is one of Thailand’s most significant Buddhist holidays, celebrated annually from April 13-15. However, in regions like Chonburi, the festivities extend until April 19 with the “Songkran Wan Lai Festival,” featuring unique traditions such as building intricate sand sculptures and pagodas along the beachfront.
To join in this beloved tradition, we conceptualised a stunning sand sculpture of the Premier League trophy, prominently displayed at the festival. This remarkable piece was crafted by an artist from Chiang Mai, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Positioned on Bangsaen beach in Chonburi, the sculpture provided festival-goers with a unique and memorable experience.
The handmade trophy was placed on a stand adorned with the traditional Thai ‘Lai Kanok’ pattern and surrounded by cloud motifs, symbolising the prestigious nature of English football. The design of the Premier League trophy itself, inspired by the Three Lions of English football, features two lions on the handles. When the captain of the title-winning team lifts the trophy, he becomes the third lion, completing the iconic imagery.
The presence of the Premier League trophy at the Songkran festival was an unexpected delight for the locals, blending familiar cultural festivities with a touch of international sports excitement. Throughout the day, attendees enthusiastically captured photos of the sculpture, sharing their experiences across social media. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from both on-site fans and digital audiences underscored the success of this initiative.
The sand sculpture generated significant earned media, with mentions on numerous sports social media accounts and coverage by Thailand’s top broadcasters and television channels. This innovative integration of the Premier League with a traditional Thai festival not only captivated the local community but also amplified the league’s global presence in an engaging and culturally resonant manner.