Get Ready for a Bear-illiant Art Adventure!
This Summer 2026, Dartford and Bluewater 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 around 50 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.
Memory bear
At the heart of this stunning art trail is ellenor’s Memory Bear, which offers individuals the chance to dedicate a name in memory of someone they love. Each name will become part of the sculpture itself creating a shared space for remembrance within the community.
Knitters, stitchers & Crafters
As we prepare for the Summer 2026 Dartford Bear Hunt Art Trail, we’re rallying our amazing community of makers to help bring this heart warming event to life.
Working with Walker Books
We are delighted to be working with The Walker Books Group to bring We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to Life!
This beautiful, hand-drawn animation based on the classic book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury follows the intrepid adventures of a family of children as they venture through whirling snowstorms, oozing mud and dark forests in search of bears…
‘This is an exciting and unique opportunity for ellenor to partner with Walker Books and the beloved classic, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
Based on our experience, this partnership is a perfect fit for Dartford, offering not only a high-profile, family-friendly theme but also the potential to create a truly engaging and successful art trail.
It’s a wonderful chance to bring people together, celebrate creativity, and raise valuable funds for ellenor’s work in the process’.
Charlie Langhorne MD and co-Founder Wild in Art
Join the conversation #dartfordbearhunt
This summer, we`re celebrating the joy of reading and bringing stories to life. 📚🐻
From June to August, families can dive into the Summer Reading Challenge with brilliant book recommendations, library activities and plenty of opportunities to read together.
We`re also thrilled to be bringing *We`re Going on a Bear Hunt* to life with our exciting live art trail, launching on **17 July**. Featuring beautifully decorated bear sculptures inspired by the much loved story, the trail has brought together schools, businesses, artists and families across our community in a truly special way.
Children have been inspired to get creative, local artists have shared their incredible talent, businesses have got behind the project, and schools have embraced the opportunity to be part of something memorable. Together, we`ve created an adventure that celebrates reading, creativity and community spirit.
Will you be joining the hunt this summer? 🐾
3 WEEKS TO GO!
3 weeks to go until the art trail is live in Dartford and Bluewater
dartfordbearhunt.co.uk
#wildinart #arttrail #dartfordbearhunt #ellenor
Prepping the plynths for the art trail launching in Dartford and Bluewater, but there are over 80 to do…in this heat, what troopers…
Thank you to Pentagon for keeping all of our bear hunt pieces ready to go
dartfordbearhunt.co.uk
#arttrail #eventsinkent #wildinart #ellenor
prepping our bear hunt bluewater space full of merch ready for the art trail this July
#kentevents #arttrail #thingstodoinkent #kidsevents #ellenor
The bears are varnished and so ready for the art trail, ready to go for the 17th of July through to September
Find out more on dartfordbearhunt.co.uk
#dartfordbearhunt #wildinart #arttrail #ellenor
Join the Bear Hunt Adventure – Volunteer with Us!
We need a brilliant team of volunteers to help bring the Dartford Bear Hunt to life for ellenor – and we’d love for you to be part of it!
Whether you’ve got a few hours or a few days to spare, your time and energy will make a big difference. By joining our Bear Necessities Team, you’ll help families, friends, and visitors enjoy a magical trail while supporting a cause that really matters.
#volunteers #kentvolunteers #hospicecharity #arttrail #wildinart
A huge thank you to Chris, Community Champion at Morrisons, and the wonderful Knit & Natter group for creating so many beautiful teddies for our Teddy Bears` Picnic on 5 August. 🧡
Recently recognised with a Special Commendation from Gravesham Borough Council, this amazing group gives their time and talents to support charities and local causes. We`re incredibly grateful for their kindness and support.
Join the picnic via ellenor.org/events
#picnicevent #fundraisingevent #eventsinkent #kentevents #hospiceevents
🌿 Meet The Healing Bear 🌿
Created by local artist Victoria and sponsored by Artisan Print Services, The Healing Bear is inspired by the peace, comfort and healing power of nature.
As one of the 31 large bears on ellenor`s We`re Going on a Bear Hunt Art Trail, the sculpture reflects Victoria`s belief that even during difficult times, there are moments to pause, breathe and embrace life.
Discover the story behind the design, what inspired Victoria`s artwork, and why creating the bear became such a meaningful experience.
Read the full story at dartfordbearhunt.co.uk 🧡
#DartfordBearHunt #TheHealingBear #BearHuntTrail #Dartford #PublicArt #CommunityArt #ellenor
We’re going on an Art Hunt—are you coming?
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Become a Sponsor
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.
Our Sponsors & Partners
YOUR DONATIONS CREATE REAL CHANGE
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.
Walker books
Walker Books UK is part of the vibrant international The Walker Books Group that includes Walker Books Australia, Candlewick Press, Holiday House and Peachtree Press in the USA.
Walker Books UK is an award-winning publisher making magical new stories for children of all ages. For generations, they have been the home of stories that feel both classic and fresh. From beautiful picture books to curl up with at bedtime to rib-tickling middle grade adventures, and from epic fantasy thrillers to fascinating, expansive non-fiction, there is something in their range of bestselling books for everyone.
The major bestselling brands for the group are We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Guess How Much I Love You, Maisy, the widely acclaimed Judy Moody, and the phenomenal Where’s Wally? /Where’s Waldo?
Lupus Films
Multi award-winning London-based studio Lupus Films was set up by Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding in 2002 and has since grown to become one of the world’s leading film and television production companies.
The company specialises in high quality family entertainment and adaptations of much-loved works of children’s literature, such as BAFTA nominated half-hour specials THE SNOWMAN AND THE SNOWDOG, WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, MOG’S CHRISTMAS and THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA, which won an International Kids Emmy® Award.
Lupus Films has produced a number of animated feature films including the award-winning ETHEL & ERNEST, based on the autobiographical graphic novel by Raymond Briggs; KENSUKE’S KINGDOM, an adaptation of the bestselling children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo, and THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS IN WONDERLAND, based on the popular picture-book by Carys Bexington and Kate Hindley.