Bear Hunt sculpture trail to bring summer family fun to Scunthorpe

Families in North Lincolnshire will soon have a new reason to head into Scunthorpe town centre, with a large-scale sculpture trail inspired by the much-loved children's story We're Going on a Bear Hunt set to arrive this summer. The free trail will run for nine weeks from 11 July, placing a series of bear sculptures across the town centre in an event designed to encourage people to explore the area on foot. For Lincolnshire readers, it is another example of a nationally recognised attraction being adapted for a local audience, with organisers hoping it will draw families into the heart of Scunthorpe during the summer months.

The trail is based on the 1989 book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, which has remained a favourite with children and parents for generations. Its familiar story and strong visual identity have already helped similar sculpture trails appear in cities including Birmingham and Leeds. Now, Scunthorpe is preparing to host its own version through a partnership between Wild in Art and North Lincolnshire Council.

Charlie Langhorne, from Wild in Art, said the event would be fun, imaginative and full of creativity, adding that the trails are intended to bring people together, encourage exploration and create moments of joy in everyday places. That local focus is likely to be central to how the event is received across North Lincolnshire. Scunthorpe town centre has long been a hub for shopping, leisure and community activity, and the arrival of a family-friendly trail could help increase footfall while giving residents and visitors a fresh way to spend time in the area.

North Lincolnshire Council leader Rob Waltham said the trail was playful, welcoming and designed around families. He said that while it is part of a nationally recognised format, the local significance lies in getting people out and about, supporting businesses and helping create memories. The project also forms part of the council's Year of Reading, which is being backed by libraries, museums, schools and community groups.

That wider link to reading and literacy gives the trail an added community dimension, connecting a public art event with local educational and cultural activity. Alongside the main sculpture route, eight schools and organisations will also get the chance to design and decorate their own bear cub sculptures. That element could give the project a more personal feel for many local families, particularly those with children involved through school or community groups.

The trail will officially launch on 11 July with a storytelling event at the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, running from 10am to 2pm. For families across Scunthorpe and the wider Lincolnshire area, it promises a summer attraction rooted in a classic children's book, but shaped around local streets, local groups and local visitors.

This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.