Last year, Chester added a statue of Paddington Bear to its list of landmarks to celebrate his latest film.
While originally sited at the end of bustling Foregate Street, the marmalade-munching character was recently stationed in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre. Now, the statue is on the move again and has relocated to the city’s celebrated Chester Cathedral.
Easily identifiable in his signature bright red hat and blue duffle coat and holding a sandwich, Paddington is now gracing the cathedral gardens with his presence. Those wishing to view the statue or get their picture taken alongside the Peruvian bear prone to mishaps and mayhem will have until May 30 before it moves again.
Screened at Storyhouse last October, “Paddington in Peru” was the third big-screen outing for the character and a fourth film is already in the works. Franchise owner Studiocanal has teased that the next title will likely see release in 2028 to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Paddington, who was born on the pages of “A Bear Called Paddington”, penned by British author Michael Bond in 1958. Plans for new TV series have also been mentioned.
Chester BID recently announced Paddington’s move, commenting:
“This month, Chester’s marmalade-loving bear is taking a residency inside Chester Cathedral.”
Guests and residents of the city now have the chance to win a Chester Gift Card worth £100 if they fill in an “Andean Adventure Passport” from Chester’s Visitor Information Centre and send a picture of themselves with Paddington to Chester BID.
