The Borough of Dartford is set to be transformed in summer 2026

This first-of-its-kind public art trail for the Borough of Dartford is a creative collaboration between Dartford Borough Council, local hospice charity ellenor, and leading art trail producer Wild in Art -known for large-scale public installations in cities from Manchester to Melbourne.

With the support of Walker Books and Lupus Films and drawing on the enduring popularity of ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,’ the trail promises to bring moments of joy, reflection, and connection to the community, while raising vital funds for families receiving hospice support.

ellenor, a leading Kent hospice supporting children and adults with life-limiting conditions, has joined forces with Dartford Borough Council, Wild in Art, and Walker Books/Lupus Films to bring We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to life across the Borough of Dartford.

Running from July to September 2026, the eight week family-friendly trail, will take place over the school summer holidays. It will feature thirty Big Bear sculptures, each uniquely decorated by local and national artists, alongside thirty ‘Bear Cubs’ decorated by schoolchildren and community groups. While the trail’s playful, family-friendly appeal invites exploration and fun, its deeper mission is to raise awareness of hospice care and the vital role it plays in supporting families through life’s most challenging times.

“This trail is made possible by a unique partnership between Dartford Borough Council, ellenor and Wild in Art combining the council’s vision for vibrant public spaces, the hospice’s mission to support families through life-limiting illness, and Wild in Art’s proven extensive experience in community-led installations,” says Andrew Hubbard, interim Chief Executive at ellenor.

“Together, we’ve mobilised creative talent, government funding and local goodwill to create a trail that will engage tens of thousands of visitors and raise vital awareness and funds for hospice care.”

Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council said, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is a childhood classic, and I am honoured that the magic of this story is coming to Dartford through our very own bear art trail. We have such talented local artists, and I’m looking forward to seeing the different and creative ways the bears will be transformed. They’ll be dotted around the borough, and I encourage families to use this art trail as an opportunity to have a fun, free day out in the school holidays.”

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art said: “We are delighted to be working with ellenor to bring one of our trails to Dartford. I have no doubt that the bear sculptures will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike. It’s a unique opportunity for businesses, the creative sector and the wider community to come together and create something very special, while raising much needed funds to support ellenor’s work.”

Already behind some of the UK’s most successful public art trails, Wild in Art has transformed cities from Manchester to Melbourne with its community-led installations – helping millions of people experience art in unexpected settings and enabling over £28.4 million to be raised for charitable causes. Now, the Borough of Dartford joins the map with its own uniquely emotive take: a trail that blends storytelling, remembrance, and joy.

James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, added: “We are incredibly proud to be sponsoring a bear for the 'We’re Going on a Bear Hunt' themed art trail next summer. This initiative is a fantastic way to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore Dartford and discover the selection of uniquely decorated bears and cubs. We’re honoured to be part of a campaign that raises vital funds for the incredible work ellenor does for both adults and children in our region.”

Confirmed partners so far include Dartford Borough Council as Presenting Partner, Bluewater Shopping Centre as an Official Partner, Fastrack as Transport Partner, Pillory Barn as Creative Partner, Artisan Print Services, and TheImageworks. ellenor is also in active discussions with a number of additional high-profile organisations, with further announcements expected in due course.

ellenor is now calling on:  

• Businesses to sponsor sculptures and join in partnership.
• Schools & community groups to join the creative journey.
• Artists to register their interest ahead of an open call for sculpture designs which will go live in September. The registration will be live from early June at Dartfordbearhunt.co.uk.

For more information, or to get involved, visit Dartfordbearhunt.co.uk from early June or email Dartfordbearhunt@ellenor.org.