A famous and beloved character from the world of children’s literature is heading to Tyneside – and we invite fans to hop, skip and jump to see him.
We are excited to announce we will be holding our fourth free public art trail, following in the footsteps of Great North Snowdogs, Elmer’s Great North Parade and Shaun on the Tyne in summer 2026 and the ‘star’ of the trail is none other than everyone’s favourite furry mischief-maker, Peter Rabbit!
The much-loved character was first imagined by Beatrix Potter in 1893, when she sent a picture letter to her former governess’ son Noel, which tells the story of a mischievous rabbit called Peter. Since then, The Tale of Peter Rabbit (published by Frederick Warne & Co. in 1902) has never been out of print and Peter Rabbit has become a star of not only literature, but also television and film, and continues to be known and adored by generations of families.
Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne. Will see more than 40 individually decorated sculptures of the character placed in streets, parks, and public areas of Newcastle and North Tyneside from Wednesday 15th July to Monday 14th September 2026.
St Oswald’s Hospice is presenting the trail in partnership with Wild in Art and The World of Peter Rabbit™ and we are now inviting groups and individuals to sponsor a sculpture.
Sponsors will then be matched with an artist, who will decorate it ensuring that each sculpture is completely unique.
Tales on the Tyne will also be supported by a region-wide learning programme for schools and children’s groups with smaller Peter Rabbit sculptures forming a second trail across the city.
As with the Elmer, Snowdogs and Shaun the Sheep, the event will culminate with an autumn auction of the Peter Rabbit sculptures to raise funds to support our work across our north east community.
St Oswald’s Hospice Chief Executive Steph Edusei said:
“The trail will showcase the wealth of artistic talent in the area, whilst positively contributing to the economic, social and cultural life of the region in a year where St Oswald’s will mark a special anniversary. But above all it will be fun, and our way of saying thank you to the people of this region for all the love and support they have shown St Oswald’s Hospice.
Summer 2026 will see us celebrate our 40th birthday and we can’t think of better way to mark the occasion than another colourful art trail for the whole community to enjoy.”
Newcastle City Council is Headline Partner of Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne and Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said
“We are proud to support such a fantastic initiative and worthwhile cause. It is a privilege to continue providing our support to St Oswald’s Hospice as they approach the incredible milestone of 40 years of remarkable service to our communities.
“Peter Rabbit, a character loved across the planet, is an excellent headline for next year’s art trail, and I’m sure residents and visitors alike will be out in their numbers enjoying the trail and, more importantly, supporting St Oswald’s to continue its extraordinary work.”
“There’s hardly a more fitting time to unveil Peter with Easter just around the corner, and I can’t wait to see what mischief a colony of 40 different versions of him will be getting up to next summer.”
Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder Wild in Art added:
“We are delighted to partner with The World of Peter Rabbit™ and to be working with the team at St Oswald’s Hospice once again, on this exciting art trail which will bring this internationally renowned character to Tyneside. I have no doubt that Peter Rabbit will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike, while helping to raise vital funds for St Oswald’s. With your support we can create an event that will have significant impact during the summer of 2026.”
Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne has been produced under license from Penguin Ventures on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co. (owner of THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT™ and today an imprint of Penguin Random House Children’s).
Thomas Merrington, Creative Director, Penguin Ventures said:
“Beatrix Potter was an incredible artist as well as a prolific storyteller and Peter Rabbit has been charming children and their families since 1902. We are delighted that Wild in Art will be bringing her most iconic character alive, through a series of incredible local artists, in a trail that we are sure will delight and inspire the residents of Newcastle – as well as raise valuable funds for St Oswald’s.”
Natasha Collie, Head of Marketing (Owned Brands) at Penguin Random House Children’s said:
“It’s a real pleasure to be working with St Oswald’s Hospice and Wild in Art on Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne. 2026 also marks the 160th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth, so this bold and joyful celebration of art – in support of St Oswald’s incredible work – feels especially fitting. We can’t wait for Peter Rabbit to bring a whisker of mischief to next summer’s trail!”
For more information about Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne including corporate and sponsorship opportunities, follow the trail on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #TalesOnTheTyne