Families can now take part in the Leeds Bear Hunt 2023, with 35 giant bear sculptures and 50 bear cubs hiding in plain sight across the city. The large-scale public art trail, a project by Wild in Art, has sploshed its way into Leeds for 10 weeks, bringing Michael Rosen’s iconic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt story to life.
Each bear has a story to tell through its design by a local, national and international artist, designer or illustrator, or sponsorship by a business or individual. The trail is raising money for Leeds Hospitals Charity, with bear hunters encouraged to donate online. At the end of the trail in September, the bears will be auctioned to raise vital funds for Leeds Children’s Hospital.
We take a look at some of the bears ready to discover across the city. How many others can you find?
1. Leeds Rhino Bear
Leeds Rhinos players David Fusitu'a, Nene McDonald and Jarred O'Connor with the Leeds Rhino Bear in the SOYO neighbourhood, next to Leeds Playhouse Photo: Steve Riding
2. Leeds Rhino Bear
Families can discover 35 giant bear sculptures and 50 bear cubs across the city, checking off the bears using the Leeds Bear Hunt app Photo: Steve Riding
3. Frankie Bear
Visual artist E V Hardaker, who designed the Frankie Bear in the SOYO neighbourhood Photo: Steve Riding
4. Frankie Bear
The bears have appeared in the city's parks and streets, highlighting both landmarks and hidden gems Photo: Steve Riding
5. Bear cubs
There are 50 bear cubs to discover on the trail, including these three in the Corn Exchange Photo: Steve Riding
6. Sir Bear-A-Lot
Sir Bear-A-Lot at the Royal Armouries, created by Boy Oh Boy Designs, who used acrylic spray paint and POSCA pens to mimic the metal segments of armour Photo: Steve Riding