Southampton will be one of 20 locations included in a trail of Paddington Bear statues on benches across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of a new film starring the beloved fictional bear.
Leepeckmedia will be working with its client Go! Southampton, which runs the city’s Business Improvement District, to ensure maximum publicity across the southern region for the Paddington Visits project which will see benches unveiled featuring a statue of Paddington ahead of the release of Paddington in Peru in November.
Each meticulously crafted and painted statue will sport the wise bear’s signature red hat and blue duffle coat. He’ll be holding a marmalade sandwich – naturally!
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.
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!”