The Farewell Weekend takes place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, from 10am to 5pm. Visitors will need to book a free timed-entry ticket in advance.
Led by ellenor, the local charity providing specialist hospice care for adults and children and their families, in partnership with Dartford Borough Council and Wild in Art, the Dartford We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Art Trail has brought people together through art, creativity and storytelling.
But the trail has also offered something more. It has introduced people to ellenor and the specialist hospice care it provides for local people and their families, helping more people understand what hospice care can mean when life is changed by serious illness.
From designing the sculptures to bringing the trail to life, artists, schools, businesses, community groups, volunteers and families have all played their part across Dartford and Bluewater.
At the heart of the trail is the much-loved story by Michael Rosen, and its animated television adaptation, produced by Lupus Films. It has given families a new way to experience a story they may already know and love.
For families who have followed the trail, the Bears have become part of the summer. There have been favourite sculptures, shared adventures, photographs and memories. But the trail has also offered something more. It has introduced people to ellenor and the specialist hospice care it provides for local people and their families, sometimes for the first time.
One parent who followed the trail with their children said: “We’d read Michael Rosen’s book to the boys, so when they heard about the Bear Hunt they really wanted to come and do it. It became a family adventure, and their grandparents came along too.
“It also made us more aware of ellenor and the hospice care they provide for local families. Before the Bear Hunt, I don’t think we had really thought about hospice care or what it meant.”
For ellenor CEO Jon Quinn, that is one of the most important legacies of the project.
“The Bear Hunt has been about so much more than the sculptures. It has brought families together, encouraged people to explore Dartford and Bluewater, and given us a wonderful opportunity to introduce more people to ellenor and help them understand the difference hospice care can make.
“When serious illness turns life upside down, ellenor is here. We stand alongside local people and their families, providing specialist care and support that is shaped around what matters to them, at a time when they need it most.
“A special thank you to Michael Rosen for the story that started it all, and to everyone who has helped bring the Bear Hunt to life - our presenting partner Dartford Borough Council, Wild in Art, Bluewater Shopping Centre, our partners, sponsors and supporters, as well as the artists, schools, community groups, volunteers and ellenor teams.
“And thank you to everyone who followed the trail, shared their photographs, chose their favourite Bear and made it such a memorable part of the summer. We hope the memories made will last long after the Bears have gone.”
The Bears' journey doesn't end at the Farewell Weekend.
On Thursday 1 October, the Big Bears will go under the hammer at the Dartford We’re Going on a Bear Hunt auction, with proceeds helping ellenor continue supporting local patients and families.
The Bears may soon leave Dartford and Bluewater, but the money raised and the awareness created will continue to support ellenor’s work with local patients and families.
The Bears may be leaving. But their story continues.
FAREWELL WEEKEND
Dartford We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Art Trail
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026
10am–5pm
Bluewater Village Marquee, DA9 9ST
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