Penguin Ventures teams with St Oswald’s Hospice and Wild in Art for Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne art trail

Penguin Ventures has partnered with St Oswald’s Hospice and Wild in Art for a Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne art trail. which is presenting the trail in partnership with Wild in Art.

The trail – taking place next year from July 15th July to September 14th 2026 will see 40 individually decorated sculptures of Peter Rabbit placed in streets, parks and public areas in Newcastle.

St Oswald’s Hospice is now inviting groups and individuals to sponsor a sculpture. Sponsors will then be matched with an artist, who will then decorate it.

Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne will also be supported by a region-wide learning programme for schools and children’s groups, with smaller Peter Rabbit sculptures forming a second trail across the city. The event will culminate with an autumn auction of the Peter Rabbit sculptures to raise funds for Gosforth-based St Oswald’s Hospice.

“Beatrix Potter was an incredible artist as well as a prolific storyteller and Peter Rabbit has been charming children and their families since 1902,” said Thomas Merrington, Creative Director at Penguin Ventures.

“We are delighted that Wild in Art will be bringing her most iconic character alive, through a series of incredible local artists, in a trail that we are sure will delight and inspire the residents of Newcastle – as well as raise valuable funds for St Oswald’s.”

Natasha Collie, Head of Marketing (Owned Brands) at Penguin Random House Children’s, added: “It’s a real pleasure to be working with St Oswald’s Hospice and Wild in Art on Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne.

“2026 also marks the 160th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth, so this bold and joyful celebration of art – in support of St Oswald’s incredible work – feels especially fitting. We can’t wait for Peter Rabbit to bring a whisker of mischief to next summer’s trail!”

The Hospice’s Chief Executive Steph Edusei said: “Summer 2026 will see us celebrate our 40th birthday and we can’t think of better way to mark the occasion than another colourful art trail for the whole community to enjoy.”

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder Wild in Art, added: “We are delighted to partner with The World of Peter Rabbit and to be working with the team at St Oswald’s Hospice once again, on this exciting art trail which will bring this internationally renowned character to Tyneside.

“I have no doubt that Peter Rabbit will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike, while helping to raise vital funds for St Oswald’s. With your support we can create an event that will have significant impact during the summer of 2026.”