Peter Rabbit sculptures in Worcester next year 'great' for area and businesses, says Worcestershire organisation
St Richard's Hospice announced on Monday (2 March) Peter Rabbit sculptures would be arriving in Worcester next year for their latest art trail
A Worcestershire organisation has said an art trail that's set to take place in Worcester next year will be really positive for the area and the economy.
St Richard's Hospice announced on Monday (2 March), 35 large Peter Rabbit sculptures, along with 40 smaller ones that are to be designed by schools and community groups, would arrive in the city in the summer of 2027 for its fourth public art trail.
It follows the three previous ones the hospice has done in recent years that saw giraffe, elephant and penguin sculptures all over the area in 2018, 2021 and 2024.
Steve Perera from Worcestershire Ambassadors - an organisation set-up to promote Worcestershire, said it is good the latest trail will continue to raise funds for the hospice and it will also have a positive impact on the area itself.
"I also think it's amazing for the local economy and the impact it can have for Worcester and Worcestershire," he said.
"The values of Worcestershire Ambassadors are all about promoting Worcestershire as a place to live, to visit, and to do business in, and I think this kind of initiative fulfils all of that criteria.
"I think such a well-loved character is going to just attract a load more people to come in and obviously that's great for the businesses and it’s great for just the community as a whole."
At the end of the trail, the large sculptures are auctioned off to raise funds for the hospice’s care across Worcestershire.
The recent three events raised £1.2 million in total for the care of patients and families.
On the launch and picking of next year's theme, project lead for St Richard's Sarah Matthews said: "This was quite easy in a year which will mark the 125th anniversary of the first publication of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
"Peter Rabbit is one of the most loveable characters in the world, charming generations with his adventurous spirit, curiosity, and just the right amount of mischief, his stories have shaped childhoods, teaching lessons about courage, kindness, and resilience - even in the face of loss.
“If there is one thing rabbits excel at, it’s snuggling close, ever watchful and ever caring, they tuck together in cosy nests when the weather turns, just as we do here at St Richard’s – putting our arms around patients, families and bereaved people across Worcestershire.”
The trail is set to arrive in the city on Monday 12 July 2027 and stay until Sunday 5 September 2027.