Get your brushes ready, it’s time to hop to it! We’re on the lookout for talented professional and amateur artists to take part in Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne, a brand-new public art trail coming to Newcastle and North Tyneside next summer.
Following in the pawprints of Great North Snowdogs, Elmer’s Great North Parade, and Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne, this trail promises to be another artful adventure, all in aid of St Oswald’s Hospice.
A trail full of tail-wagging creativity
Around 50 giant fibreglass sculptures of Beatrix Potter’s mischievous hero, Peter Rabbit, will be brought to life by artists from across the North East and beyond. Each unique design will form part of a free, family-friendly trail that’s expected to attract over 800,000 visitors, all eager to follow the bunny trail and see these colourful characters pop up across the region.
Selected artists will receive a £900 commission fee, plus the chance to showcase their work to a huge audience of art lovers, families, and visitors hopping through the trail.
“We’re particularly keen to hear from local artists living and working in the North East,” said James Lowther, Project Curator.
“We’re looking for a range of styles and themes — something fresh, original and inspiring that will engage people of all ages.”
How to get involved
Feeling inspired? Don’t burrow away your ideas, visit our artists section to download the artist information pack. You’ll find everything you need, from design templates and creative tips to submission details and key project dates.
Entries close on Friday 13 February 2026, after which shortlisted designs will be presented to sponsors at a special matching event in spring 2026. Successful artists will then be commissioned to bring their designs to life ahead of the trail’s launch in July 2026.
Find out more
A fluffle of fun for everyone
Alongside the large sculptures, the trail will also feature a “fluffle” (that’s the official term for a group of rabbits!) of smaller Peter Rabbits, each decorated by schools, youth groups, and community organisations across the region, making this a truly community-wide celebration of creativity.
“The response to our previous trails was wonderful,” said Steph Edusei, Chief Executive of St Oswald’s Hospice.
“We’re thrilled to return next summer with a brand-new character. 2026 will be a milestone year for us as we celebrate St Oswald’s Hospice’s 40th birthday, and 160 years since the birth of Beatrix Potter.
This trail will celebrate creativity, community spirit, and our beautiful region, while shining a light on the vital work of hospice care. We can’t wait to see what our artists create.”
So whether you’re a painter, designer, doodler or daydreamer, this is your hopportunity to be part of something truly special.
Submit your designs by Friday 13 February 2026 and get ready to join Peter Rabbit on his biggest adventure yet!
Find out more and how to apply on our artists section here.
