A posse of Peter Rabbit™ sculptures will hop into Worcester in summer 2027 to form the city’s fourth Wild in Art public art trail – raising funds for St Richard’s Hospice.
Thirty-five Peter Rabbit™ sculptures will line streets and open spaces from Monday 12 July to Sunday 5 September 2027, creating the free Peter Rabbit™ in the warrens of Worcester.
The much-loved character was first imagined by Beatrix Potter in 1893, when she sent a picture letter to her former governess’ son Noel, which tells the story of a mischievous rabbit called Peter. Since then, The Tale of Peter Rabbit (published by Frederick Warne & Co. in 1902) has never been out of print and in 2027 will celebrate 125 years since its first publication!
The new trail follows in the footsteps of three previous Wild in Art art trails with St Richard’s Hospice, which saw giraffe, elephant and penguin sculptures capture hearts in 2018, 2021 and 2024. Combined, the events raised £1.2 million after costs for the care of local patients and families.
At the end of the trail, the large sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds for the hospice’s care across Worcestershire.
Sara Matthews, who’s leading the project for St Richard’s, said: “We can’t wait to see our fantastic fluffle of rabbits standing among Worcester’s iconic landmarks in summer 2027.
“Residents will remember how the city felt when we were joined giraffes, elephants and a happy huddle of penguins. We’re excited to recreate that magic all over again, bringing art trail goers into the city in their droves.”
Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art said: “It’s great to be back in Worcester and to be teaming up once again with St Richard’s Hospice to create a new trail – our fourth for the city!
“Our events enable thousands of people of all ages to experience art by making it part of everyday life. They encourage exploration and drive footfall, creating a collective feeling of community and pride, and lead to a positive effect on the local economy.
“This new trail is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to be part of a highly visible, collaborative and captivating project that will make everyone smile.”
The project is also supported by The World of Peter Rabbit™, which is managed by Penguin Ventures, the licensing and consumer products division of Penguin Random House Children’s UK.
Natasha Collie, Head of Marketing (Owned Brands), Penguin Random House Children’s said: “We’re so pleased to be working with St Richard’s Hospice and Wild in Art on Peter Rabbit™ in the warrens of Worcester in 2027, a year when we’re also celebrating the 125th anniversary of The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
“This art trail will be a real celebration of creativity, in support of St Richard’s and their brilliant work. We’re very excited for the iconic Peter Rabbit to bring a whisker of mischief to Worcester next summer!”
