Worcester’s largest shopping centres are backing next summer’s Peter Rabbit-themed art trail to drive visitors and shoppers alike to the city.

Chapel Walk and Friary Walk are to partner 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.

“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.”

— Mike Lloyd, Centre Manager, Chapel & Friary Walk

The trail begins on Monday, 12 July and runs for eight weeks until Sunday, 5 September 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, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, 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.”

— Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager, St Richard’s Hospice

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. To register interest as a school or community group visit: https://warrensofworcester.co.uk/learning-programme/

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.

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