STUDIOCANAL Unveils Bear-y Special Statue in Ashby as Part of Paddington Visits

Everyone’s favourite bear has taken a seat in Ashby de la Zouch as part of Paddington!

Visits, a far-reaching trail spanning the UK and Ireland!

• Paddington Visits launches in Ashby de la Zouch 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.

9th October 2024 – Ashby de la Zouch: Today, fans of all ages took a pew next to Paddington as STUDIOCANAL unveiled a statue of the marmalade loving bear at Ashby de la Zouch.

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 Ashby Spa WI Garden’s and was immediately embraced by the local community.

With passersby stopping for selfies, Ashby de la Zouch 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 Ashby de la Zouch buzzed with excitement as they gathered to welcome Ashby Spa WI Garden’s newest neighbor: 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.

Stuart Benson, Ashby BID Manager, said: "On behalf of the businesses within Ashby BID we are delighted to unveil the new Paddington Bear bench in Ashby de la Zouch. We are looking forward to seeing residents and visitors alike enjoying a natter with the world-famous bear from Peru. This is a great tourist attraction, and we are so pleased to be part of the UK and Ireland trail. A special thank you to Ashby de la Zouch Town Council who kindly granted us permission to install the bench at the top of Market Street. Hopefully the bench will become a focal point of the town and create lasting memories for years to come. We are looking forward to seeing as many different poses and selfies as possible.”

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.