In Summer 2026, Dartford will be transformed by 30 stunning large Bear sculptures inspired by the beloved classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

Designed by local and national artists, these Bears will form an exciting, free public art trail through the town’s streets, parks, and open spaces.

Alongside them, 30 Bear cubs, decorated by local schools and community groups, will be displayed in indoor locations such as museums, libraries, and storefronts—making this an event for the whole community!

The story’s famous mantra—”We can’t go over it, we can’t go under it… we’ve got to go through it!”—perfectly reflects ellenor’s mission. Just as the family in the book faces obstacles together, ellenor supports families through life’s challenges.

Huge thanks to Dartford Borough Council for being our Presenting Partner on the Bear Hunt! 🐻✨
By sponsoring a Bear or joining us in partnership, your business will step into the heart of this creative, community‑driven event. You’ll connect with customers, showcase your support for the arts, and make a real difference by raising funds for your local hospice. We can’t wait for summer! 

visit dartfordbearhunt.co.uk to see how you can get involved

#dartfordbearhunt #arttrail2026 #wildinart #ellenor #charityhospice #eventsinkent #thingstodoinkent

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This week, something special began in Dartford...

The arrival of 86 bears marks the beginning of a borough-wide celebration of creativity, community and care with a lasting impact for families across North Kent and Bexley. Over the coming months, 30 Big Bears and 56 Bear Cubs will be transformed by local artists, schools and community groups as part of ellenor’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Art Trail, launching this summer.

While the trail will bring colour and creativity to Dartford, its impact reaches far beyond the borough. Every sculpture will help raise vital funds and awareness for the specialist care ellenor provides at home, in care homes and on our Inpatient Ward in Gravesend supporting babies, children and adults living with life-limiting illness.

This trail is about imagination and adventure. It is also about ensuring hospice care remains accessible to families across our whole community.

We’re incredibly grateful to Dartford Borough Council, Wild in Art and all our partners helping bring this to life. 

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the Dartford Bear Hunt so far: our Presenting Partner, Dartford Borough Council; Official Partner, Bluewater Shopping Centre; Storage & Logistics Partner, Pentagon; Transport Partner, Fastrack Electric; Creative Partner, Pillory Barn; Photography & Video Partner, The Image Works; Print Partner, Artisan Print Services; Radio Partner, Made In Kent Radio; and Media Partner, News Shopper. We also extend our thanks to our Sculpture Sponsors: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Esquire Developments, Trafalgar Entertainment Trust, Tarven Solar Energy, Barnes Construction, David Lloyd – Dartford, Bellway London, Willmott Dixon Construction Limited, and TPS Global Logistics.

dartfordbearhunt.co.uk

#wildinart #arttrail2026 #arttrail #ellenor #bearhunt #dartfordbearhunt

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What makes the Bear Hunt truly special isn’t just the colour and creativity — it’s the story behind it. 🐻📖
Each Bear celebrates community spirit and helps raise awareness of ellenor’s compassionate care, supporting adults and children with life-limiting illnesses from diagnosis and beyond.
Join us in exploring creativity with purpose! ✨

dartfordbearhunt.co.uk

#PurposeDrivenArt #CommunityStory #ellenor #DartfordBearHunt

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Watch this space for Bear reveals, artist stories, and vibrant colour popping up across Dartford! 🎉

Learn more about the trail via dartfordbearhunt.co.uk

#ArtistSpotlight #ArtInPublicSpaces #CommunityArt #DartfordBearHunt

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🐻✨ We’re down to our final Bear Cub for schools and community groups!

If your school or group would love to be part of the Dartford Bear Hunt, this is your last chance to get involved and join the amazing adventure of ellenor's first art trail this 2026 🎨🐾

Don’t miss out – sign up today at dartfordbearhunt.co.uk and secure the final Cub! 

#DartfordBearHunt #CommunityArt #LastChance #hospiceinkent #charityinkent #wildinart #arttrail2026

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Behind every great event, there’s a great story — and behind the lens! 📸✨
We’re thrilled to be working with The Imageworks to capture every bright and bold moment of the Bear Hunt journey — from early planning to finished sculptures on the trail.

Want to be involved? via dartfordbearhunt.co.uk

#CreativePartners #Photography #ArtTrailMoments #DartfordBearHunt

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Want to make a real impact while supporting arts & community? 🐻✨ Sponsoring a Bear gives your business visibility, supports local culture — and helps raise vital funds for hospice care across Kent and Bexley.

Let’s make a difference together! 

Find out more at dartfordbearhunt.co.uk

#SponsorSupport #LocalBusiness #CommunitySpirit #ellenor

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Love art? 🖌️ Love helping people smile? 😊 We need YOU! Join the Bear Necessities Team and help make the Dartford Bear Hunt unforgettable.
Whether you’re a Trail Maker, Bear Checker or Event Helper — there’s a role for everyone who wants to be part of this magical community moment 🐻🤝

dartfordbearhunt.co.uk

#VolunteerWithUs #CommunitySupport #DartfordBearHunt #ellenor

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By sponsoring a Bear or joining us in partnership, your business will step into the heart of this creative, community-driven event. You’ll connect with customers in a unique and engaging way, showcase your support for the arts, and make a real difference by raising funds for ellenor, your local hospice charity.

ellenor needs £9.6 million each year to continue caring and supporting thousands of patients and families facing life limiting and life-threatening illness in Kent. We are a charity that relies on the generosity of our local community. Your donation however big or small makes a real difference to patients and their families.