PETER Rabbit will be hopping his way to Worcester’s largest shopping centres next summer.
Chapel Walk and Friary Walk will be taking part in Peter Rabbit in the warrens of Worcester following the success of the previous three art trails brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice.
An evaluation of the charity’s great Waddle of Worcester penguin-themed event in 2024 revealed city centre footfall increased by 16 per cent during the trail compared to the same period in 2023.
As official hosts to the event’s ‘mini parade’ of rabbit sculptures, designed by local schools and community groups, both shopping centres are expecting to see trail goers hopping through their doors.
Mike Lloyd, centre manager for Chapel Walk and Friary Walk, said: “We look back on the last three art trails with such affection; to have had shopping centres full of baby elephants, giraffes and penguins and artists busy painting was pretty unforgettable. As were all the happy faces of children and families proudly seeing their artwork on display.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Chapel Walk and Friary Walk again in summer 2027.”
The trail begins on Monday July 12 2027 and runs for eight weeks until Sunday September 5 2027. Thirty-five large fibreglass rabbit sculptures will bring a splash of colour to Worcester’s streets and public spaces to form an interactive art trail.
Peter Rabbit in the warrens of Worcester is a Wild in Art event delivered by St Richard’s Hospice.
Sara Matthews, the hospice’s business development manager, said: “The teams from Chapel Walk and Friary Walk have been by our sides from the very beginning, so we know they’ll take good care of our mini fluffy friends. We’re so grateful to the centres for backing us when an art trail was just an idea on paper to now when it’s a much-loved event in the city calendar.
“Chapel Walk and Friary Walk both saw a notable rise in footfall across its sites during our last three trails and we’re looking forward to bringing those same economic benefits to our wonderful city once again in summer 2027.”
Once the trail has ended, the large rabbit sculptures will be auctioned to raise money towards the free care that St Richard’s provide to patients with an illness that cannot be cured and their loved ones.
Forty smaller rabbits will be available for adoption by local schools and community groups.
Visit www.waddleofworcester.co.uk to find out more.
