Bear hunt sculpture trail coming to town

A free sculpture trail based on a popular children's book will be coming to Scunthorpe this summer.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt, by author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury, was published in 1989 and has become a family favourite all over the world.

A series of large-scale bear sculptures will be placed around Scunthorpe town centre for nine weeks from 11 July.

Charlie Langhorne, of organiser Wild in Art, described the event as fun, imaginative and bursting with creativity. He added: "Our trails are designed to bring people together, encourage exploration and create moments of joy in everyday spaces."

Wild in Art is working with North Lincolnshire Council to create the trail, which has previously been staged in cities such as Birmingham and Leeds.

Council leader Rob Waltham described the event as "playful, welcoming and designed around families".

"It's a nationally recognised trail, but what really matters is what it means locally – getting people out and about, supporting businesses and creating memories," he said.

The project is part of the council's Year of Reading, which is being supported by libraries, museums, schools and community groups.

In addition to the trail, eight schools and organisations will have an opportunity to design and decorate their own bear cub sculptures.

The trail will launch on 11 July with a storytelling event at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre between 10:00 and 14:00 BST.

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