Colourful Peter Rabbit sculptures have begun to appear around North Tyneside and Newcastle as part of a summer-long public art trail organised by St Oswald's Hospice. The trail, titled Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne, features 96 sculptures and will run until 14 September.
What is on display and where
The trail comprises two sizes of sculpture. There are 43 larger sculptures designed and decorated by artists — many from the region — which will be displayed across the city and borough. A further 53 smaller sculptures, created by schools and youth groups, are also dotted around the route and will be returned to those groups after the trail ends.
- 96 sculptures in total
- 43 large, artist-designed sculptures (to be auctioned in October)
- 53 small, community- and school-made sculptures (returned after the trail)
How it supports St Oswald's Hospice
Although the trail is free to explore, the charity is encouraging visitors to buy an app and a printed sticker book to enhance the experience and raise money for the hospice's running costs. The printed map and sticker book are available from The Space by St Oswald's Hospice in Ouseburn. Proceeds from these items and from an auction of the larger sculptures in October will go towards the hospice.
"We have to raise such a huge amount of money every year and it's getting increasingly more difficult to do so. More and more people are requiring hospice care, the demand's getting higher and we really have to find other ways to make sure those funds are coming in."
The hospice's trail follows previous public-art schemes the charity has organised, including the Great North Snowdogs in 2016, Elmer's Great North Parade in 2019 and Shaun on the Tyne in 2023. St Oswald's says these initiatives generate public interest and help raise funds while offering a family-friendly attraction.
Practical information and local impact
The interactive app provides a mapped guide to the sculptures and allows users to 'unlock' the pieces they find. For families, schools and community groups in North Tyneside, the trail offers an opportunity to explore local streets and green spaces while supporting a local health charity. The return of the smaller sculptures to participating schools will also leave a tangible legacy for the groups involved.
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| Total sculptures | 96 |
| Large (artist-designed) | 43 |
| Small (schools/youth groups) | 53 |
| Trail ends | 14 September |
| Auction of large sculptures | October |
For residents and visitors in North Tyneside interested in taking part, copies of the printed trail map and sticker book can be obtained from The Space by St Oswald's Hospice in Ouseburn. The hospice encourages people to use the app or buy the printed materials to support its work as the demand for hospice care continues to rise.
