Paddington Bear statue unveiled in Westport
Statue of world-famous bear unveiled in West Mayo town ahead of release of new Paddington film
PADDINGTON Bear was given a warm welcome to Westport this afternoon, where a crowd of over 50 people gathered to watch the unveiling of a statue of the world-famous bear.
Sitting atop the Fairgreen overlooking The Mall, this bear is one a trail of statues dotted throughout the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of ‘Paddington in Peru’.
The West Mayo town is one of 23 locations taking part in Paddington Visits, which will see the bear from Darkest Peru appear in various towns and beauty spots across Ireland and the United Kingdom ahead of the new film’s release.
Both young and old flocked to The Fairgreen today for the official unveiling, which was carried out by local county councillor Peter Flynn - who also sported a blue coat not dissimilar to Paddington for the occasion.
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.
Paddington Bear first appeared in children’s literature in 1958 but has seen his popularity jump with the release of recent live-action films starring the famous bear.
‘Paddington in Peru’ will be released in cinemas on November 8.