Paddington is coming to Salisbury

Salisbury will see a Paddington bear statue arrive in the city centre as part of a trail being installed by film producers.

Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Studio Canal and Salisbury BID to bring Paddington to Salisbury as part of the UK and Ireland Paddington Visits Trail. This beloved bear will be a wonderful addition to the city, bringing joy to both residents and tourists and enhancing Salisbury’s vibrant cultural appeal.”

From Liverpool to Land’s End to Birmingham to Bury St Edmunds, and of course, London Paddington, bear-y special statues are coming to cities, towns, and beauty spots across the UK and Ireland in early October. Each meticulously crafted and painted statue will sport the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw.

Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr. Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy!

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr Brown in the film, comments: “I am thrilled to reveal we are going to be unveiling a number of benches across the UK, all featuring a statue of our beloved bear. Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington…coming to a bench near you!”

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.

Ellie Burke, Marketing and Communications Manager of Salisbury BID, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Paddington Visits trail and have been working hard with Wiltshire Council and Studio Canal to bring this beloved icon to the heart of Salisbury. Paddington’s visit will not only draw fans of all ages to our city but also provide a fun and memorable way to explore Salisbury’s heritage and vibrant community. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase what our local businesses and city has to offer.”

We are set to find out the exact location of the Paddington statue in the next couple of weeks. 
Locations taking part in Paddington Visits include:

• Ashby
• Birmingham
• Bury St Edmunds
• Cardiff
• Chester
• County Mayo
• Edinburgh
• John O’ Groats
• Lanark
• Land’s End
• Liverpool
• London Paddington
• London Westfield
• Manchester
• Newbury
• Newtownards
• Penrith
• Peterborough
• Reading
• Salisbury
• Southampton
• Sunderland
• York

PADDINGTON IN PERU in UK and Ireland cinemas on November 8 2024.