Paddington Bear has landed in Mayo

Red hat? Check! Blue duffle coat? Check! Emergency marmalade sandwich? Triple check! The iconic character of Paddington Bear has arrived in Mayo.

Today, fans of all ages will take a pew next to Paddington as STUDIOCANAL unveils a statue of the marmalade loving bear in Westport.

Launching at 4pm today, October 11, 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 November 8, Paddington will take a seat on a bench on The Fairgreen to be embraced by the local community.

Westport 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. 

The people of Westport will gather to welcome its newest neighbour, 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 Mayo to London, and, of course, a very special stop in Newbury, the hometown of Paddington's creator, Michael Bond.

Speaking on the launch of Paddington Visits, a spokesperson from STUDIOCANAL commented: “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!" 

Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy.

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr Brown in the film, was ‘thrilled’ with the announcement.

He added: “Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington…coming to a bench near you!”

The new adventure of ‘Paddington in Peru’ 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.

Locations taking part in the Paddington Visits trail include:

Ashby de la Zouch - Ashby Spa WI Garden, Market Street  

Birmingham - Medicine Terrace at Selfridges, Bullring 

Bury St Edmunds - arc Shopping Centre 

Cardiff - St John’s Gardens 

Chester - Foregate Street 

Westport, County Mayo 

Edinburgh St Andrew Square Garden 

John O’ Groats - John O’ Groats Sign Post 

Lanark - High St 

Land’s End - Land’s End Sign Post 

Liverpool - Liverpool ONE 

London Paddington - Connaught Village 

London Westfield - White City, W12 

Manchester – Spinningfields, Hardman Square

Newbury – Northbrook Street 

Newtownards - Conway Square 

Penrith - Town Centre 

Peterborough - Queensgate Shopping Centre 

Reading - Broad Street 

Salisbury - Fisherton Street 

Southampton - Westquay Shopping Centre  

Sunderland - Bridges Shopping Centre 

York - Dean’s Park