A beloved children’s story has inspired a magical new art trail, with bear sculptures set to take over the town.
Dozens of colourful bear sculptures are set to appear across Dartford next summer as part of a vibrant public art trail.
It’s to celebrate the children’s classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.
The eight-week trail, launching in July 2026, will feature 30 large bears and 30 cubs, each uniquely decorated by local artists, schools and community groups.
While playful in spirit, the project has a serious aim, raising awareness and funds for ellenor, a Kent-based hospice charity supporting people of all ages.
At the official launch at Dartford Football Club, local leaders, artists and businesses unveiled the first sculpture and shared their hopes for the trail’s impact.
Kent-based artist Ana Zoob created the first bear, painting a dreamlike Dartford filled with bold colours, swirling staircases, hidden tunnels and familiar landmarks.
Her design blends intricate pen drawings of local architecture with vibrant brushwork, capturing the emotions of childhood curiosity, adventure and comfort.
Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite called the project “a really big deal for our community,” praising its potential to bring people together and raise the profile of ellenor’s lesser-known services, including counselling, bereavement care and financial advice.
“People know the story, and they’ll be drawn to this trail,” he said. “It gives ellenor a platform it truly deserves.”
Sponsors and supporters include:
– Fastrack, Kent’s bus rapid transit network, represented by head of service Isobel Headley Jones
– Pentagon Transport Group, a leading UK logistics firm, with Luke Cole present at the launch
-Artisan Print, a specialist large-scale printing company led by director Deke Demarco
– Creative studio The ImageWorks, with director Nick Johnson
– Branding agency Pillory Barn, based in Maidstone, led by Miranda Chapman; and
– Bluewater Shopping Centre, represented by deputy centre director Claire Dunn
Former BBC South East Today presenter Rob Smith, a supporter of ellenor described the trail as a “win-win-win-win.
“Artists gaining exposure and commissions, businesses boosting visibility and footfall, families can enjoy free, creative outdoor fun, and what matters the most ellenor will receive crucial awareness and funding.”
Bluewater Shopping Centre, with its millions of annual visitors, is playing a key role in the trail’s visibility, helping connect the project to a wider regional audience through promotion and support.
It’s being produced by Wild in Art, the team behind Maidstone’s Shaun the Sheep trail last year.
That trail attracted more than 230,000 visitors, featured 50 sculptures across the town, and raised over £300,000 for Heart of Kent Hospice.
ellenor is now hoping to achieve a similar success. To sponsor a bear or register as an artist, click here.
Andrew Hubbard, interim chief executive at ellenor, said: “Only 24% of our income comes from government funding. The rest depends on the generosity of the public.
“This trail will not only raise funds, it will help people understand just how much ellenor does.”
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