- Paddington Visits launches at Connaught Village as part of trail celebrating everyone’s favourite marmalade loving bear
- This week, 23 Paddington statues will be unveiled on benches stretching from John O’Groats to Land’s End
- Paddington Visits launches ahead of the beloved bear’s return to the big screen in PADDINGTON IN PERU, in cinemas from November 8th 2024
Today, fans of all ages took a pew next to Paddington as STUDIOCANAL unveiled a statue of the marmalade loving bear at London Paddington.
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 Connaught Village (London Paddington) and was immediately embraced by the local community.
With passers-by stopping for selfies, London’s Connaught Village 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 at London Paddington buzzed with excitement as they gathered to 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.
Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Marble Arch London BID, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paddington to Connaught Village, a few marmalade pawprints from where he first met the Browns at Paddington station. We hope that people from across London and beyond come to visit the statue, sit with Paddington and explore the many shops, restaurants, cafes and attractions Connaught Village and the wider Marble Arch area have to offer, you might even be able to find yourself a marmalade sandwich!”
James Parker, Senior Asset Manager, Church Commissioners for England, said: “We can’t wait to welcome Paddington, marmalade-loving British icon from the wilds of Peru to the shores of Connaught Village – just a short stroll from where he was first found on his battered suitcase in Paddington station. Everyone’s favourite bear will be dropping in on the independent boutiques, galleries and restaurants of Connaught Village and Marble Arch so we welcome anyone and everyone to the area to come and ask for a photograph and video!”
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 November 8. 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.
