A posse of Peter Rabbit sculptures will hop into Worcester next summer to form the city’s fourth, spectacular, public art trail, raising funds for St Richard’s Hospice.

Individually-decorated Peter Rabbit sculptures will line streets and open spaces for eight weeks in 2027, creating Peter Rabbit™ in the warrens of Worcester, a Wild in Art event brought to the city by St Richard’s.

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!

Today’s launch reveals the follow-up to three previous hospice art trails, 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.

Thirty-five large Peter Rabbit sculptures will form the free art trail, running from Monday 12 July to Sunday 5 September 2027.

The sculptures will be sponsored by businesses and brought to life with designs created by artists from Worcestershire and beyond. 

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.

“We often get asked how we choose each sculpture and this was quite easy in a year which will mark the 125th anniversary of the first publication of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit! Peter Rabbit is one of the most loveable characters in the world, charming generations with his adventurous spirit, curiosity, and just the right amount of mischief. His stories have shaped childhoods, teaching lessons about courage, kindness, and resilience – even in the face of loss.

“If there is one thing rabbits excel at, it’s snuggling close. Ever watchful and ever caring, they tuck together in cosy nests when the weather turns. Just as we do here at St Richard’s – putting our arms around patients, families and bereaved people across Worcestershire.”

The large sculptures will be joined by another 40 smaller Peter Rabbit sculptures which will be decorated by students and community groups. Local schools and groups wishing to take part will be entered into a ‘Bunny Ballot’ to secure their place in the trail.

At the end of the trail, the large sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds for the hospice’s care across Worcestershire.

Sara continued: “A variety of sponsorship packages are available for businesses to hop along with us and be part of something truly memorable for their own organisation, colleagues and family, and for the wider community too.”

“We thank everyone who has shown such enthusiasm for a fourth art trail – we wouldn’t have made it to this point without you all!”

Wild in Art, the creative production company behind Peter Rabbit™ in the warrens of Worcester, has brought together communities with its sculpture trails in cities around the world.

To date, its events have enabled over £30.3m to be raised for charitable causes and engaged more than 1.5 million young people in creative learning programmes.

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.”

Peter Rabbit™ in the warrens of Worcester is supported by Presenting Partners Chapel & Friary Walk, DRPG, Worcester BID and Worcestershire Ambassadors, and Media Partners the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.

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!”

To discuss sponsorship opportunities for the Warrens of Worcester, call Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager, on 01905 763963, or email smatthews@strichards.org.uk

To find out more, visit warrensofworcester.co.uk.