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Let the Bear Hunt begin…
Chapter 81
Leeds Hospitals Charity has let 85 grizzly sculptures loose for Leeds Bear Hunt 2023, a large-scale public art trail of bears roaming free across Leeds city centre from today – to raise money for Leeds Children’s Hospital.
Paying tribute to Michael Rosen’s popular ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’, 35 giant bears and 50 adorable bear cubs designed by local artists and sponsored by local businesses are hidden around central Leeds and nearby public parks, ready to be discovered.
Leeds Hospitals Charity hopes to raise over £300,000 from the wild art trail for crucial projects at Leeds Children’s Hospital that help improve the lives of the inspiring young patients at the hospital receiving treatment and care. In the last year alone, Leeds Hospitals Charity has funded a vast array of projects at the hospital from ground-breaking research projects and innovative diagnostic technologies to specialist play staff and Christmas gifts.
“LeedsBID is delighted to be working with Leeds Hospitals Charity, Wild in Art and Walker Productions/Lupus Films in bringing this iconic children’s book to life to animate Leeds city centre. This fun, free, family friendly art trail not only provides colour and creativity to places and spaces but encouraging people to explore this city as they embark on an adventure to hunt down the bears.”— Karen Butler, Director of Place Management and Engagement at LeedsBID
Kids Enjoying the Leeds Bear Hunt
The Rhinos Bear in SOYO
The Station Bear outside Leeds Corn Exchange
Leeds Bear Hunt is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors over the summer months and brings together the business and creative sectors with local schools and communities to celebrate Leeds’ diverse cultural offer and communities.
To embark on your own fun-filled discovery adventure, download the ‘Leeds Bear Hunt’ app here.
Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity, said: “Leeds is going on a bear hunt, and we can bear-ly contain our excitement! We’ve been blown away by the incredible talent of the artists, schools and communities and are so grateful to all our sponsors and partners who have helped bring the trail to life. We’re very lucky to have a dedicated hospital in Leeds that offers a comprehensive range of specialist paediatric services rivalling any children’s hospital in the country. The funds raised through Leeds Bear Hunt will help Leeds Children’s Hospital continue to provide exceptional treatment and care to poorly babies and children.”