Paddington Bear statue unveiled near station in Salisbury

On Thursday, October 10, a Paddington Bear statue was unveiled on Fisherton Street by mayor of Salisbury councillor Sven Hocking, alongside members of the public, press and Paddington fans.

Salisbury is one of 23 locations across the UK and Ireland where Paddington Bear statues are being positioned, as part of the celebrations of the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru which will be in cinemas on November 8.

Sven Hocking said: “It’s a privilege to unveil the statue which is one of 23 up and down the country. It’s fantastic for Salisbury to have one of these, it’s a nice addition to Fisherton Street now it’s almost finished, it’s not in your face but set back a bit so people have to look.

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“It’s a nice addition to the street scene, who doesn’t like a bit of public art – effectively that’s what it is!”

Paddington has been seated on a bench on Fisherton Street, outside The former General Infirmary, sporting his signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and a marmalade sandwich in paw.

Cabinet member for public health, communities, leisure and libraries cllr Ian Blair-Pilling said: “He’s the film star of Fisherton Street!

PICTURED: Bea, Lola, James and Oscar (left to right) with Paddington Bear and Mayor Sven Hocking (Image: Newsquest)

“If you are trying to promote a really important film and you’re creating a route from John O’Groats to London to the West Country and you pick on number 23, Salisbury has to be that – it’s a really important city within Britain, it’s completely ideal that Paddington is joining us.”

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For 65 years, British-born writer Michael Bond has delighted readers all over the world with his stories about Paddington, the bear from Peru, famous for his love of marmalade. The kindness and humour in the stories appeal to children and adults alike, ensuring Paddington's enduring popularity from one generation to the next.

Since then, Paddington’s adventures have been adapted several times for television and at the end of 2014, Paddington made his debut onto the big screen, before Paddington 2 followed in 2017.

Paddington arrives on Fisherton Street as improvement works are said to be ‘nearing completion’.

Salisbury BID chief executive Robin McGowan said: “It’s really important for Salisbury to be able to enjoy a bit of fun where lots of change is happening on Fisherton Street and lots of important things are going on.

“It’s a really nice location and a short walk to the station.”