Bear-y special statue in Newbury as part of Paddington Visits

Today (Tuesday 8 October), fans of all ages took a pew next to Paddington as STUDIOCANAL unveiled a statue of the marmalade loving bear in Newbury.

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 on Northbrook Street and was immediately embraced by the local community.

With passersby stopping for selfies, Newbury 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 Newbury buzzed with excitement as they gathered to welcome Northbrook Street's 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.

Warwick Heskins, Newbury BID Chairman said:

"Newbury BID are excited to welcome home Paddington, and are delighted to be part of Paddington Visits, the UK and Ireland trail. We are looking forward to the national and international tourism offer that Paddington will bring to our town. Our businesses are thrilled to hear about the installation and the economic uplift. Now where are the marmalade sandwiches?!"

Cllr Louise Sturgess, Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at West Berkshire Council (pictured with Paddington), said:

"I'm delighted that we're partnering with the Newbury BID to welcome a Paddington Bear statue to Newbury. Paddington is a much-loved character which will bring joy and excitement to visitors of all ages and provide a unique landmark for the town centre. Paddington's presence will boost local tourism, encourage family-friendly activities, and create a focal point that brings people together and enhances Newbury's welcoming atmosphere."

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!"

Take a look at the video from the day here: https://youtu.be/i_N2JXF_l78.

Paddington Visits launches ahead of the bear's latest cinematic outing, PADDINGTON IN PERU, in UK and Ireland cinemas on 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 John's Gardens
• 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

Paddington Visits launches in Newbury ahead of the beloved bear's return to the big screen in PADDINGTON IN PERU, in cinemas from 8 November 2024.