We’re is delighted to officially announce the launch of Leeds Bear Hunt, an exciting public art event, which will take place from 1st July 2023 and raise money for Leeds Children’s Hospital.
Leeds Bear Hunt will see Leeds Hospitals Charity, team up with art trail experts Wild in Art, who have been delivering world-class public events across the globe for ten years. More than 50 giant Bear sculptures will hide in plain sight on the streets and in the parks of Leeds for ten weeks. Decorated by local and national artists, designers and illustrators, the Bears will form a family-friendly trail for visitors to discover and enjoy.
The free public event is set to benefit the whole community, with hundreds of thousands of Leeds residents and visitors expected to join in the fun. Leeds Bear Hunt will show off the very best creative talent from local, regional and national artists. Money raised through the event will enable Leeds Hospitals Charity support Leeds Children’s Hospital to give the best possible care to very ill babies and children.
Why Bears? Leeds Hospitals Charity is working in partnership with Walker Productions/Lupus Films, the production team behind the stunning animation based on the best-selling children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, published by Walker Books. The Bear sculptures are inspired by the Bear from the award-winning TV animation and have been commissioned and created just for Leeds.
Over the last 30 years, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt has enchanted children and parents alike with its story of perseverance, optimism and a love of nature, selling over 14 million books worldwide in 42 languages. Author Michael Rosen’s retelling of this classic picture book has exceeded over 16 million views on YouTube.
The message of this wonderful story is about how we deal with our fears. This is reflected in the experience of many children in hospital, who might fear the unknown, or possibly the knowledge of what is to come. With the money raised by Leeds Bear Hunt, we hope to create a Leeds Children’s Hospital that is a welcoming and reassuring place, with a hospital team that is equipped to support children and families facing their own “Bear”.
Leeds Hospitals Charity www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk is the charity for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. We support NHS staff to deliver the best care for patients and their families, by raising funds for equipment, services, education and research. Leeds Hospitals Charity supports NHS staff to deliver the best care for over a million patients and their families each year. Working with local communities, schools and businesses across the city and beyond, each year we provide £5 million in additional funding for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Leeds Children’s Hospital is one of the UK’s largest specialist children’s hospitals offering a wide range of treatments and care for children from birth to young adulthood and beyond. Its aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Leeds and further afield by providing outstanding care and that’s what Leeds does, every day.
As the Charity for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds Hospitals Charity is committed to raising money for Leeds Children’s Hospital. This will fund much-needed equipment and technology to provide the best care possible for very ill babies and children in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Leeds Bear Hunt is a special event that will showcase varied and talented artists, promote health and well-being, and bring businesses and communities together to help boost the regional economy. The adventurous trail will highlight Leeds as a place to visit, love, work and play whilst injecting fun and colour to the streets and spaces within our city. Help us make a difference.
If you would like to receive updates about Leeds Bear Hunt, please complete this form. We promise to keep your personal details safe and we’ll process them in accordance with our privacy policy. You can change how we communicate with you at any time. Just get in touch with the team at hello@leedshospitalscharity.org.uk or call 0113 539 7020. Share in the excitement on social media using #LeedsBearHunt
Facebook: @LeedsBearHunt
Instagram: @LeedsBearHunt
Twitter: @LeedsBearHunt
Together we can really make a difference and help the children of Leeds enjoy many more ‘Beautiful Days’ by tackling inequalities and changing health outcomes for children, for generations to come www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/donate
Be a part of the swishiest, sploshiest, squelchiest art trail ever. Join us on #LeedsBearHunt we’re going to find 🐻
