Fans of all ages can take a pew next to Paddington Bear as StudioCanal unveiled a statue of the marmalade loving bear at Liverpool ONE.
Launched as part of Paddington Visits, a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of Paddington In Peru, arriving in cinemas on 8 November, Paddington took a seat on a bench at Liverpool ONE and was immediately embraced by the local community.
With children dropping by for marmalade sandwiches and passers-by stopping for selfies, Liverpool is one of 23 locations taking part in Paddington Visits, a trail which will see the special statues appearing in cities, towns, and beauty spots all over the UK and Ireland.
Everyone in Liverpool buzzed with excitement as they gathered to welcome its newest neighbour: a meticulously crafted and painted statue sporting the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw.
Families and children can embark on an adventure to find their local Paddington, with locations ranging from John O’Groats to Land’s End, Westport Co. Mayo to London, and, of course, a very special stop in Newbury, the hometown of Paddington’s creator, Michael Bond.
With Paddington coming to towns, cities and beauty spots, StudioCanal has teamed up with Ordnance Survey to help intrepid explorers discover Paddington in various locations in the UK and Ireland, head on over to Ordnance Survey’s website to learn more.
Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Paddington to Liverpool ONE, as one of just 23 locations across the UK and Ireland. “We’re always exploring new ways to enhance our visitor experience, so we’re honoured to host Paddington, a much-loved character who spans generations. He will undoubtedly become a key attraction and help our visitors, whatever their age, create new memories!”
Speaking on the launch of Paddington Visits, a spokesperson from StudioCanal commented: “We are delighted to launch Paddington Visits, a trail which will see everyone’s favourite bear bringing fun, kindness and warmth to communities across the UK.
“We hope that everyone seeks out their local Paddington, whether that’s dropping by for a chat about your day or to enjoy a marmalade sandwich or two while enjoying the view! Paddington is ready to welcome everyone!”
Paddington Visits launches ahead of the bear’s latest cinematic outing, PADDINGTON IN PERU, in UK and Ireland cinemas 8 November.
This new adventure will see Paddington return home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears.
With The Brown Family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.
Locations taking part in the Paddington Visits trail include:
- Ashby de la Zouch – Ashby Spa WI Garden • Birmingham – Medicine Terrace
- Bury St Edmunds – arc Shopping Centre
- Cardiff – St David’s Centre
- Chester – Foregate Street
- Westport, County Mayo
- Edinburgh St Andrew Square Garden
- John O’ Groats – John O’ Groats Sign Post
- Lanark – High St • Land’s End – Land’s End Sign Post
- Liverpool – Liverpool ONE
- London Paddington – Connaught Village
- London Westfield – White City, W12
- Manchester – Hardman Square
- Newbury – Northbrook Street
- Newtownards – Conway Square
- Penrith – Town Centre
- Peterborough – Queensgate Shopping Centre
- Reading – Broad Street
- Salisbury – Fisherton Street
- Southampton – Westquay Shopping Centre
- Sunderland – Bridges Shopping Centre
- York – Dean’s Park
