On 9 October, fans of all ages took a pew next to Paddington as STUDIOCANAL unveiled a statue of the marmalade loving bear in Edinburgh.
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 8 November, Paddington took a seat on a bench in St Andrew Square Garden and was immediately embraced by the local community.
With passersby stopping for selfies, Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh buzzed with excitement as they gathered to welcome St Andrew Square Garden’s newest neighbor: 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.
Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager Marketing & Communications for Essential Edinburgh said: “We are delighted that Edinburgh is part of Paddington Visits and encourage fans of all ages to head into the city centre and visit their favourite bear, share his bench for a little while and grab a special selfie in the beautiful surroundings of St Andrew Square Garden – marmalade sandwiches are optional!”
Speaking on the launch of Paddington Visits, a spokesperson from STUDIOCANAL commented: “We are delighted to launch Paddington Visits, a trail which will see everyone’s favourite bear bringing fun, kindness and warmth to communities across the UK.
“We hope that everyone seeks out their local Paddington, whether that’s dropping by for a chat about your day or to enjoy a marmalade sandwich or two while enjoying the view! Paddington is ready to welcome everyone!”
Paddington Visits launches ahead of the bear’s latest cinematic outing, PADDINGTON IN PERU, in UK and Ireland cinemas November 8. This new adventure 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.