We're going on a bear hunt Scunthorpe

The trail will be active from 11 July to 1 September.

This summer, families across North Lincolnshire are being invited to sharpen their senses and get ready for an adventure like no other.

We are bringing the major national We're Going on a Bear Hunt sculpture trail to the heart of Scunthorpe during the 2026 summer holidays.

Officially licensed by Walker Books on behalf of Bear Hunt Films and delivered in partnership with internationally renowned producers Wild in Art, the nine-week trail will feature a series of large-scale bear sculptures, similar to the images on this page, located across the town centre throughout July and August.

The trail will be a headline moment in the council’s Year of Reading, bringing stories out of books and into streets, parks and cultural spaces – encouraging families to explore, play and read together.

Behind the scenes, libraries, museums, sports teams, schools and community groups are gearing up to weave We’re Going On A Bear Hunt magic through events, walks, workshops and story sessions across the holidays.

Eight local schools and organisations have also been given the exciting opportunity to design and decorate their very own bear cub.

The bear cubs designed by St Hugh’s School, Chatterbooks , Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire, the Armed Forces Hub, the Blue Door, Crosby Primary School, Lincoln Gardens Primary School and North Lincolnshire Council’s Fostering Team will each tell a unique story and stay in the area for families to enjoy after the trail has finished.

The adventure officially begins on Saturday 11 July, as the trail launches alongside this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, themed Read to the Beat.

Families are invited to join the celebrations from 10am to 2pm across 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Church Square and Scunthorpe Central, with a lively programme of music, storytelling and creative activities to kick-start a summer full of discovery.

The We’re Going On A Bear Hunt trail builds on the long-standing commitment to reading and early literacy, from supporting families with free books for all children up to five through the Imagination Library scheme to keeping libraries open for longer so more people can discover, enjoy and share the love of books.

Keep an eye out for updates on the North Lincolnshire Libraries Facebook page.

(We’re Going on a Bear Hunt © Bear Hunt Films Ltd 2016. Licensed by Walker Productions Ltd. on behalf of Bear Hunt Films Ltd.)