Studiocanal Unveils Bear-Y Special Statue In Newtownards As Part Of Paddington Visits

Everyone's favourite bear has taken a seat in Newtownards as part of Paddington Visits, a far-reaching trail spanning the UK and Ireland.

On Thursday 10 October, fans of all ages took a pew next to Paddington as STUDIOCANAL unveiled a statue of the marmalade-loving bear in Newtownards.

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 November 8th, Paddington took a seat on a bench in Conway Square and was immediately embraced by the local community.

With children passersby stopping for selfies, Newtownards 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 Newtownards 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.

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!"

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart said:

"It is an absolute pleasure to join today's unveiling event.  Excitement has been building across the Borough since the announcement that 'Paddington Visits' was coming to the Newtownards.  This is Paddington's only stop in Northern Ireland and we look forward to welcoming lots of families to the town to sit with Paddington, get a photo and enjoy some time in Conway Square.  We hope Paddington will feel very at home here in Newtownards - he is certain of a warm welcome from residents and businesses."

Paddington Visits launches ahead of the bear's latest cinematic outing, PADDINGTON IN PERU, in UK and Ireland cinemas on November 8th. 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 Signpost

• 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

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