BEAR SCULPTURE TRAIL LAUNCHES IN CITY CENTRE

A sculpture trail featuring 10 brightly-painted bear statues has launched in Birmingham city centre.

The decorated bears are spread across well-known spots such as the Bullring, the Mailbox and Great Western Arcade.

The free trail will be in place until 6 September to provide an activity for families during the school summer holidays.

Central BID Birmingham, an organisation that supports businesses in the city centre, has set up the public art event.

The trail has been inspired by the classic 1989 picture book We're Going on a Bear Hunt, written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

Alongside each statue, visitors will also find a QR code that allows them to send a message of support to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Central BID has worked with art trail producer Wild in Art and children’s publisher Walker Books to put on the event.

The organisation's previous trails in the city centre include a winter event with “snow dog “statues last year.

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