Studiocanal Unveils Bear-y Special Statue in Reading as Part of Paddington Visits

9th October 2024

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

Today, fans of all ages took a pew next to Paddington as STUDIOCANAL unveiled a statue of the marmalade loving bear in Reading.

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

With passersby stopping for selfies, Reading 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 Reading 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 birthplace 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.

Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our very own Paddington to Reading town centre this October as part of Paddington Visits. The new statue will be an exciting addition to Broad Street and will undoubtedly draw visitors and families from across the wider region who’ll be able to sit down, have a chat and even take a selfie with everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear!

Reading has an extra special connection with the beloved bear as his creator, Michael Bond, grew up, went to school, and started his working life in the town. His experiences in Reading as a young boy have shaped his books that have gone on to inspiregenerations – so we’re thrilled to be welcoming Paddington and his sandwiches back to Reading this autumn."

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.

Locations taking part in the Paddington Visits trail include:
• Ashby de la Zouch - Ashby Spa WI Garden, Market Street
• Birmingham - Medicine Terrace at Selfridges, Bullring
• 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 – Spinningfields, 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
Find out more about Paddington's link with Reading.