The Bear Hunt Has Begun in Southport!
The bears have arrived in Southport – and the hunt is officially on!
Until Sunday 27th April 2025, visitors can explore Southport town centre and track down ten colourful, hand-painted bear sculptures, each inspired by the beloved children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
Every bear has its own unique theme and was designed by talented artists and illustrators, which creates a fun and vibrant experience for all ages. The best part? It’s completely free to take part!
Grab a trail map and set off on an adventure through Southport’s streets by spotting each of these incredible sculptures along the way. Whether you’re visiting for the day or making a weekend of it, the Bear Hunt is a perfect way to add a little excitement to your trip.
This fantastic event is brought to you by Southport BID and Sefton Council in collaboration with Wild in Art and Walker Books to celebrate the magic of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s much-loved classic, which has sold over 9 million copies worldwide since its release in 1989.
Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said: “We are really excited about seeing the twelve bears coming to Southport in 2025.
“They will be on display for twelve weeks, covering both February Half Term and the Easter school holidays.
“The bears will certainly bring a splash of colour to the town centre in the winter months.
“At this time of year, we want to create additional incentives to encourage visitors to come and explore Southport town centre and discover all that our local businesses have to offer.
“More details of the locations and artists involved will be released soon.”
Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art, added: “We are delighted to be able to bring the Bear Hunt Trail to Southport. Exploring the trail is a fun activity to do with friends and family and it’s free to visit. It’s a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and take a stroll around Southport while discovering some truly unique and inspiring art.”
So, what are you waiting for? The bears are out there – happy hunting!