'We’re Going on a Bear Hunt' in Southport this weekend

This Saturday, 1 February 2025, the town centre will welcome ten larger-than-life, colourful bear sculptures, inspired by the beloved children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

This new We’re Going on a Bear Hunt trail, organised by Southport BID and Sefton Council in collaboration with Wild in Art and Walker Books, invites visitors to explore the town centre, discover the individually hand-painted bears, and enjoy the chance to win some fantastic prizes!

You can discover the individually hand-painted sculptures, which feature unique designs from talented artists and illustrators, until 27 April 2025.

The ‘Bear Hunt’ is a free, family-friendly activity perfect for all ages. Those looking for a fun day out can follow the trail map and use clues at each location to answer bear-themed questions.

Visitors have the choice of completing a shorter trail which includes seven sculptures, or the full trail, which features all ten bears.

Printed maps can be downloaded from the Southport BID website or can be picked up at The Atkinson Library, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Vue Cinema, and Waterstones in Southport from 1 February.

Completed maps can be dropped off at The Atkinson Library, Waterstones or you can enter your answers online.

Two lucky winners will be drawn at random after 27 April. Winners can choose between two prizes:

A trip to Legoland Windsor
A Nintendo Switch with games from GAME Southport.

There will also be a colouring competition available at town centre cafes and eateries, where children can design their own bear. Perfect for those looking to take a break from exploring.

‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ was published in 1989 and was written by former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

Published by Walker Books, it has attained worldwide sales of more than 9 million copies.

Bobby Bear in Great Western Arcade. Image provided by Southport BID

Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said:

“We are looking forward to welcoming these incredible sculptures to Southport later this week.

“The ‘Bear Hunt’ will be an exciting adventure for the little ones. It’s a great opportunity to explore our wonderful town and visit our businesses.

“The display is in place for twelve weeks, including February Half Term and the Easter school holidays, so there is plenty of time to plan your day out in Southport!

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder Wild in Art said:

“We are delighted to be able to bring the Bear Hunt Trail to Southport.

“Exploring the trail is a fun activity to do with friends and family and it’s free to visit.

“It’s a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and take a stroll around Southport while discovering some truly unique and inspiring art.”

For the latest information on We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Southport, head to www.southportbid.com/bear-hunt and make sure to follow Your Southport on Facebook and Instagram.