Dartford’s key supporter of Community Arts Announced as important Partner for ellenor’s 2026 Art Trail

The Trafalgar Entertainment Trust, endorsers of The Orchard Theatre’s Creative Learning programme, is proud to announce its official partnership with local hospice charity ellenor for the upcoming “Dartford We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” art trail, set to take over the borough from July to September 2026.
As a cornerstone of Dartford’s cultural landscape, The Orchard Theatre will play a multi-faceted role in the trail, acting as a sculpture sponsor and providing vital venue space for the project. Inspired by the classic children’s book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, the trail will feature 80 hand-painted bears—30 Big Bears and 50 Bear Cubs—forming a vibrant, free discovery trail across Dartford and Bluewater.
The partnership represents a merging of two of Dartford’s most vital sectors: the arts and community care. Beyond sponsoring a sculpture, the theatre will lend its “spades of creativity” to ensure the trail is an immersive experience for families and visitors.

Ethan Duffy, Creative Learning Business Manager at the Trafalgar Entertainment Trust, said:

“We are delighted to support such an imaginative and community‑centred project. As a charity dedicated to widening access to the arts, we believe strongly in creative initiatives that bring people together and spark curiosity. During this period of transition for The Orchard Theatre, it is vital that local communities continue to feel connected to creativity and to one another. Supporting this trail allows us to champion ellenor’s important work for families across North Kent and Bexley, while helping to bring a sense of joy and shared pride to the heart of Dartford.”

The art trail, delivered in partnership with Wild in Art and Walker Books, aims to raise significant funds for ellenor. The charity provides specialized hospice care for both adults and children facing life-limiting illnesses, offering support in their inpatient ward, within the community, and in patients’ own homes.

Georgie Packer, Project Manager for the Art Trail at ellenor, also added:

“Next summer, the Dartford Bear Hunt will see more than eighty Bears and Bear Cubs take to the streets of Dartford and Bluewater, engaging the local community, from businesses to schools and local groups, all brought to you by ellenor, Dartford’s local hospice. This trail will be equal parts community, creativity, and compassion.
We’re thrilled to be working with The Trafalgar Entertainment Trust on this exciting project. We greatly appreciate their support through sculpture sponsorship, venue space and their spades of creativity! We know that having such a key Dartford landmark involved will help ensure the first ever trail lands with real impact.”

The “maiden voyage” of the first giant fibreglass bear has already turned heads at Bluewater and Dartford town centre when it was unveiled, offering just a glimpse of the whimsical transformation coming in 2026.

About the Trafalgar Entertainment Trust’s Work in Dartford

Trafalgar Entertainment Trust, together with our Creative Learning teams, is committed to ensuring that communities in Dartford continue to have access to meaningful, high‑quality creative experiences. While The Orchard Theatre undergoes essential renovation work, our focus remains on sustaining opportunities for participation, connection and creativity across the area.
The theatre’s refurbishment began after its temporary closure in September 2023. Significant roof replacement and modernisation works are now underway. As is common with major projects, additional essential updates have been identified, including improvements that will strengthen accessibility, modernise operations and ensure the venue can serve its community for many years to come.
Throughout this period, the Trust and Creative Learning teams remain active in supporting local engagement. We continue to provide pathways for young people, creative opportunities for schools and community groups, and programmes that promote wellbeing, belonging and inclusive participation.
We look forward to the reopening of The Orchard Theatre in 2026, when our activities will once again be able to take place within a fully renewed, accessible and future‑ready cultural home for Dartford