#PaddingtonTrail

From 4 November 2014 until end of December

Also revealed: A first look at some of the statue designs

Today VisitLondon.com, the NSPCC and STUDIOCANAL announced the first of the exciting internationally renowned celebrities, designers and artists signed up to THE PADDINGTON TRAIL. The list includes stars of the Paddington film Hugh Bonneville, Peter CapaldiNicole Kidman, Julie Walters and Ben Whishaw, Hollywood actors Benedict Cumberbatch,Michael Sheen and Emma Watson, director Guy Ritchie, stars of the music world Nick Mason andFrankie Bridge, globally renowned photographer Rankin, leading fashion designers Christopher Kane, Lulu Guinness and Matthew Williamson, painter and street artist Inkie, multi-talented artistsTom Phillips and Hannah Warren and world-famous ex-footballer and underwear designer, David Beckham.

Paddington Bear by Michael Bond, Paddington Sparkles by Frankie Bridge and Paddington Shakesbear by Michael Sheen

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who stars in the forthcoming Paddington film, which opens in UK Cinemas November 28, is amongst the designers and comments: “Paddington is an explorer –  this trail is a wonderful way of bringing this to life and I hope it makes people look at London  with fresh eyes. I am delighted to have been asked to design one of the bears and have created an ode to Paddington’s favourite preserve.  I can’t wait for people to see it.”

Artist adding final touches to Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear

The star-studded Paddington design team also includes former Royal Ballet principal dancer Darcey Bussell, presenters Davina McCall, Ant McPartlin & Declan Donnelly and Jonathan Ross, explorer and survival expert Bear Grylls, the Chelsea football team, the England rugby union teamand Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

The first of the designs were also revealed today: ‘Paddington Bear’ by Michael Bond, ‘Paddington Shakesbear’ by Michael Sheen, ‘Paddington Sparkles’ by Frankie Bridge and ‘Paddingtonscape’ by artist, Hannah Warren.

Michael Sheen who designed ‘Shakesbear Paddington’ says: “It is such a privilege to be designing a statue for The Paddington Trail, especially as it is raising money for the NSPCC – a charity I’m proud to support. I am delighted to have been able to create Shakesbear and combine my love of the bear with my passion for the bard!”