Peter Rabbit Sculptures Auctioned for Hospice Support in Newcastle 2026

Key Points

• There are 96 hand-painted Peter Rabbit sculptures that were used to create a summer art trail around Newcastle and North Tyneside, and they are set to be auctioned off.
• The nine-week-long interactive public event called Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne was created in order to raise funds and awareness for St Oswald’s Hospice.
• There will be a “Farewell Event” where 102 sculptures, including 43 full-size rabbits, 53 small rabbits, and 6 never-before-seen sculptures, will be displayed at Newcastle Civic Centre on 10 and 11 October.
• There will be a live auction of 40 sculptures held on 13 October at Newcastle Civic Centre in order to raise funds for hospices.
• The activities include an app, sticker books, and tickets for events that directly help in raising funds for hospice care.

Newcastle (Newcastle Times) September 26, 2026 – Dozens of hand-painted Peter Rabbit sculptures, which decorated public locations across Newcastle and North Tyneside throughout the summer season, will be officially auctioned off to generate financial support for St Oswald’s Hospice. The nine-week art installation, titled Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne, concluded earlier this month after encouraging thousands of local residents and tourists to explore the region. All featured artwork will reunite for a final public viewing event at Newcastle Civic Centre on 10 and 11 October, followed by the grand finale auction on 13 October.

What is the plan for the Peter Rabbit sculptures following the summer trail?

As reported by Barbara Hodgson of Chronicle Live, a total of 102 rabbit sculptures will be brought together at Newcastle Civic Centre for a public Farewell Event prior to being sold off. The gathering provides a final opportunity for community members, art enthusiasts, and fans of author Beatrix Potter to view the full collection in a single venue. The display comprises 43 full-sized sculptures, 53 smaller iterations designed by local schools and youth groups, alongside six bonus sculptures specifically crafted for the upcoming sale.

According to event details published by Newcastle Magazine, visitor tickets are currently priced at £8 for adults and £3 for children, with family passes set at £15. The weekend timetable includes dedicated quiet viewing hours starting at 10:00 BST to ensure accessible experiences for all attendees. Furthermore, trail participants who were unable to finish their digital app collections over the summer can scan remaining codes during the event to claim final finisher certificates and rewards.

How will the auction proceeds support St Oswald’s Hospice?

As stated by Steph Edusei, Chief Executive of St Oswald’s Hospice, in coverage by The Mail, the upcoming bidding event serves a crucial financial role for the healthcare charity. Edusei noted:

“Not only are these sculptures beautiful and thought-provoking but, through the auction, they will help us provide our care and support free of charge to those who need it most”.

Edusei further appealed to potential buyers across the country:

“We urge anyone who has enjoyed the trail, who is a Beatrix Potter fan, a fan of the North East or simply wants to help us, to place a bid – so we can be here for them if they ever need us”.

As reported by The Northern Echo, forty key auction lots will go under the hammer on 13 October. Highlights include Peter in the Garden by Emma Bridgewater Ltd, Ruby Rabbit by Natalie Radcliffe—created to mark 40 years of service by the hospice—and Bunny Bank, an artwork physically covered in authentic coins. Additionally, a bespoke Snowdog sculpture will be auctioned as a tribute to the hospice’s inaugural 2016 public art event.

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What reaction did the summer trail generate across North Tyneside?

As highlighted by official spokespersons for St Oswald’s Hospice, the initiative delivered significant engagement across the North East area. A representative for the charity stated:

“Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne trail brought lots of colour, joy and entertainment to the city over the summer”.

The spokesperson added:

“We’ve loved hearing your stories and seeing your photos and hope you’ve made some wonderful memories with those you love.”

While viewing the trail remained completely free to the general public, revenue was successfully generated through paid-for merchandise, custom sticker books, interactive app features, and ticket sales for the farewell gathering. Participating artists who painted the sculptures will also be present during the October display weekend to engage with attendees and answer questions regarding their design techniques.

Background of the particular development after the news

The Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne installation represents the fourth major interactive art trail coordinated by St Oswald’s Hospice over the past decade in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art. The charitable campaign began in 2016 with the Great North Snowdogs, followed by Elmer’s Great North Parade in 2019, and Shaun on the Tyne in 2023.

This 2026 iteration was specifically timed to mark a dual landmark: the 40th anniversary of St Oswald’s Hospice delivering specialist palliative care, and the 160th anniversary of author Beatrix Potter’s birth. Over its nine-week duration from July to September 2026, the project operated alongside headline civic partners, including Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, and Northumbrian Water, turning municipal streets, parks, and landmarks into open-air art displays to foster community participation and tourism.

Prediction: How this development can affect the local community and hospice service recipients

The upcoming auction and farewell weekend are expected to yield substantial financial and operational benefits for several specific groups in the North East:

• Palliative Care Patients and Families: The direct financial yield from the 40 auction lots will help secure essential funding for St Oswald’s Hospice. Because the charity offers its clinical treatments, end-of-life care, and respite services entirely free of charge, successful auction bids will directly safeguard continuous care for adult and young patients suffering from life-limiting conditions across the region.
• Local Businesses and Municipal Tourism: The final farewell weekend on 10–11 October is projected to drive a concentrated surge in footfall around Newcastle city centre. Local hospitality providers, transport services, and retail businesses in the surrounding area stand to benefit from increased consumer spending from visiting families and regional tourists attending the multi-day event.
• Art Collectors and Cultural Patrons: Corporate sponsors and private collectors who secure winning bids on 13 October will acquire permanent, one-of-a-kind regional artworks. This outcome helps maintain ongoing partnerships between local businesses, national brands like Emma Bridgewater Ltd, and regional artists, reinforcing a sustainable ecosystem for public art commissions in Newcastle and North Tyneside.