Dartford: We’re Going On A Bear Hunt!

Watch out next summer in Dartford…thirty ‘Big Bear Sculptures’ and thirty ‘Bear Cubs’ – designed by local artists, schools and community groups will appear across the town’s public areas as part of a public art trail.

Inspired by the award-winning animation based on the beloved children’s book ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ by former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury, the trail supports local hospice care.

This first-of-its-kind public art trail for the Borough of Dartford is a creative collaboration between Dartford Borough Council, local hospice charity ellenor, and leading art trail producer Wild in Art – known for large-scale public installations in cities from Manchester to Melbourne.

With the support of Walker Books and Lupus Films and drawing on the enduring popularity of ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,’ the trail promises to bring moments of joy, reflection, and connection to the community, while raising vital funds for families receiving hospice support.

Running from July to September 2026, the eight week family-friendly trail, will take place over the school summer holidays. It will feature thirty Big Bear sculptures, each uniquely decorated by local and national artists, alongside thirty ‘Bear Cubs’ decorated by schoolchildren and community groups. While the trail’s playful, family-friendly appeal invites exploration and fun, its deeper mission is to raise awareness of hospice care and the vital role it plays in supporting families through life’s most challenging times.

Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council said, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is a childhood classic, and I am honoured that the magic of this story is coming to Dartford through our very own bear art trail. We have such talented local artists, and I’m looking forward to seeing the different and creative ways the bears will be transformed. They’ll be dotted around the borough, and I encourage families to use this art trail as an opportunity to have a fun, free day out in the school holidays.”

Already behind some of the UK’s most successful public art trails, Wild in Art has transformed cities across the globe, with its community-led installations, helping millions of people experience art in unexpected settings and enabling more than £28.4 million to be raised for charitable causes.

James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, added: “We are incredibly proud to be sponsoring a bear for the ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ themed art trail next summer. This initiative is a fantastic way to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore Dartford and discover the selection of uniquely decorated bears and cubs. We’re honoured to be part of a campaign that raises vital funds for the incredible work ellenor does for both adults and children in our region.”

Confirmed partners so far include Dartford Borough Council as Presenting Partner, Bluewater Shopping Centre as an Official Partner, Fastrack as Transport Partner, Pillory Barn as Creative Partner, Pentagon Transport Ltd as Storage and Logistics Partner, Artisan Print Services as Print Partner and The Imageworks as Photography and Videography Partner.

Would you like to get involved?

ellenor is now calling on:

• Businesses to sponsor sculptures and join in partnership.
• Schools & community groups to join the creative journey.
• Artists to register their interest ahead of an open call for sculpture designs which will go live in September. The registration will be live from early June at dartfordbearhunt.co.uk

For more information, or to get involved, visit dartfordbearhunt.co.uk or email [email protected]