StudioCanal has unveiled a statue of the marmalade loving Paddington bear in Peterborough.

Launched as part of Paddington Visits, a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru, arriving in cinemas on November 8th, Paddington took a seat on a bench in Queensgate Shopping Centre and was immediately embraced by the local community. 

With passersby stopping for selfies, Peterborough is one of 23 locations taking part in Paddington Visits, a trail which will see the special statues appearing in cities, towns, and beauty spots all over the UK and Ireland.

Everyone in Peterborough buzzed with excitement as they gathered to welcome its newest neighbour: a meticulously crafted and painted statue sporting the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw.

Families and children can embark on an adventure to find their local Paddington, with locations ranging from John O’Groats to Land’s End, Westport Co. Mayo to London, and, of course, a very special stop in Newbury, the hometown of Paddington’s creator, Michael Bond.

With Paddington coming to towns, cities and beauty spots, StudioCanal has teamed up with Ordnance Survey to help intrepid explorers discover Paddington in various locations in the UK and Ireland, head on over to Ordnance Survey’s website to learn more.

Paddington in Peru will see Paddington return home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears. With The Brown Family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious

disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.

Locations taking part in the Paddington Visits trail include:

• Ashby de la Zouch – Ashby Spa WI Garden, Market Street

• Birmingham – Medicine Terrace at Selfridges, Bullring

• Bury St Edmunds – arc Shopping Centre

• Cardiff – St John’s Gardens

• Chester – Foregate Street

• Westport, County Mayo

• Edinburgh St Andrew Square Garden

• John O’ Groats – John O’ Groats Sign Post

• Lanark – High St

• Land’s End – Land’s End Sign Post

• Liverpool – Liverpool ONE

• London Paddington – Connaught Village

• London Westfield – White City, W12

• Manchester – Spinningfields, Hardman Square

• Newbury – Northbrook Street

• Newtownards – Conway Square

• Penrith – Town Centre

• Peterborough – Queensgate Shopping Centre

• Reading – Broad Street

• Salisbury – Fisherton Street