Paddington takes a seat in Penrith

Paddington received a warm welcome to Little Dockray, Penrith by Stainton School who were all delighted to take part in the official launch of the national Paddington Visits trail - singing the 'Marmalade song' to welcome the famous bear to town.

The statue is one of 23 that have been installed on benches stretching from John O’Groats to Land's End, with Penrith being the only place in Cumbria to host a statue.

Jane Hasell-McCosh, the founder of the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards and Festival, introduced the school children and said a few words before the bear was unveiled.

Paddington Visits have launched ahead of the bear’s latest cinematic outing, Paddington in Peru, in UK and Ireland cinemas November 8 2024.

Darren Broad, chair of Penrith BID, said: “We are delighted that Penrith has been chosen to be one of only 23 locations across the UK for a Paddington Statue as part of the Paddington Visits trail ahead of the release of Paddington in Peru in cinemas later this year.

"We hope that visitors and residents alike will delight in finding him in Little Dockray and will enjoy taking a moment a moment to sit beside him, perhaps even take a photograph or two.”

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 the Town Centre and was immediately embraced by the local community.

With passersby stopping for selfies, Penrith 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 Penrith buzzed with excitement as they gathered to welcome the Town Centre’s 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.

Darren Broad, Chair, Penrith BID, said: “We are delighted that Penrith has been chosen to be one of only 23 locations across the UK for a Paddington Statue as part of the Paddington Visits trail ahead of the release of Paddington in Peru in cinemas later this year. We hope that visitors and residents alike will delight in finding him in Little Dockray and will enjoy taking a moment a moment to sit beside him, perhaps even take a photograph or two.”

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.