London's Paddington Trail for the NSPCC
BY READERS DIGEST
1st Jan 2015 Travel
The Paddington Trail is coming to London this November, in celebration of the iconic Paddington Bear’s latest blockbuster film and to raise money for the NSPCC. Reader’s Digest is proud to announce our support and sponsorship of the Paddington Trail this Christmas.
What's The Paddington Trail All About?
The Paddington Trail is a major initiative developed by the NSPCC, VisitLondon.com and Studio Canal alongside the hugely anticipated movie, released in the UK on 28th November. London is Paddington Bear’s favourite city, and 50 life-size Paddington statues (three foot six inches tall) will be placed in prominent locations across the capital (in a similar vein to the Eggs trail and the recent Book Benches).
Our Paddington at Primrose Hill designed by Julie Walters:
The Bears are designed by a host of artists, designers and celebrities:
From the Paddington movie:
- Nicole Kidman
- Hugh Bonneville
- Julie Walters
- Ben Whishaw
- Peter Capaldi
As well as other huge Hollywood names:
- Emma Watson
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Michael Sheen
And a whole host of some of the UK's best-loved celebs and designers:
- Paddington's creator, Michael Bond
- Footballer David Beckham
- Ballet star Darcey Bussell
- Movie director Guy Ritchie
- Musician Nick Mason
- Pop star Frankie Bridge
- Photographer Rankin
- Fashion designer Matthew Williamson
- Fashion designer Christopher Kane
- Fashion designer Lulu Guinness
- Street artist and painter Inkie
- Artist Hannah Warren
- TV presenter Davina McCall
- TV presenters Ant McPartlin & Declan Donnelly
- Talk show host Jonathan Ross
- Explorer Bear Grylls
- The Chelsea football team
- The England rugby union team
- Boris Johnson, Mayor of London
Once the trail ends (30th December), the Paddingtons will be auctioned off to raise money for the NSPCC. The trail also benefits children’s charity Action Medical Research for whom Paddington Bear has been the official mascot for over 35 years.
Creative UK
The Paddington Trail not only celebrates the film’s release, but the bears also tip their hats to the UK's thriving innovative arts and culture, as seen through the eyes of one of the world’s favourite—and most curious—characters. Julie Walters is the patron of the Reader’s Digest bear, which will be unveiled at a gorgeous Central London location at a date still to be announced.
“People love nostalgia. And I think they’ll find the film amusing as a view of England and the English,” says Julie Walters. “It’s entertaining, and what’s touching is Paddington deeply wants to be accepted and to fit in.”
In the coming weeks, we will be dedicating various articles to Paddington Bear, from the mysteries of deepest darkest Peru to the best Marmalade recipes.
Watch this video to find out more about the trail and don’t forget to donate!
