Peter Rabbit™ ‘Meadow of Memories’ to Bloom at the Cathedral This Summer

Published April 2026

St Oswald’s Hospice is inviting members of the public to remember loved ones with a poignant commemorative sculpture featuring the beloved Peter Rabbit™, which will go on display here at Newcastle Cathedral this summer.

The installation, titled ‘Meadow of Memories’, will be a central feature of the upcoming Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne art trail, following the success of Great North Snowdogs in 2016, Elmer’s Great North Parade in 2019, and Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne in 2023. Running from 15 July to 14 September, Newcastle and North Tyneside will be transformed by a series of super-sized sculptures inspired by the much-loved character created by Beatrix Potter.

While the wider trail remains under wraps until its official launch in July 2026, the colourful “memory bench” sculpture has already been created by local artist Julia Stafford. ‘Meadow of Memories’ features a vibrant display of painted leaves, watched over by Peter Rabbit.

Steph Edusei, Chief Executive at St Oswald’s Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our fourth art trail to the streets, parks and public buildings of Newcastle and North Tyneside this summer. This year marks a very special milestone for St Oswald’s Hospice as we celebrate 40 years of providing care to local people and their families.

“It is especially meaningful for us to display our ‘Meadow of Memories’ sculpture at Newcastle Cathedral. This beautiful bench will be adorned with hundreds of names of people being remembered by their loved ones, making it a fitting location within such a peaceful and inspiring setting. We hope everyone who visits will take a moment for quiet reflection, remembering those they love and miss.”

Members of the public are invited to dedicate a leaf in memory of a loved one with a £30 donation to St Oswald’s Hospice. Each dedication will be handwritten on the sculpture, creating a lasting and meaningful tribute while supporting the hospice’s vital work providing expert care and support, free of charge, to local adults, children and families.

After the trail, the sculpture will return to St Oswald’s Hospice, where it will be installed in the hospice gardens as a lasting memorial.

The Cathedral’s Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle, said: “It’s a privilege for the Cathedral to be the chosen venue for ‘Meadow of Memories’, reflecting our ongoing commitment to serving as a place of remembrance and community. The Cathedral is open seven days a week, and we’re planning a series of family activities and ‘in memory’ opportunities for visitors, inspired by the citywide trail.”

Above: Peter Rabbit visited the Cathedral last summer and met with the Dean of Newcastle (right) as part of his tour of the city.

Leaves can be dedicated until the trail launches in July, or until capacity is reached. Each dedication includes space for a first and surname, with additional leaves available for multiple tributes. All proceeds go directly to supporting the vital work of St Oswald’s Hospice.

Tales on the Tyne is presented by and raising funds for St Oswald’s Hospice, partnering with creative producers Wild in Art, The World of Peter Rabbit and Headline Partners Newcastle City Council.

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For further information about the citywide trail and to make a dedication, visit www.talesonthetyne.co.uk.

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For press enquiries, please contact Peter Cumiskey, Marketing & Communications Manager at Newcastle Cathedral, at peter.cumiskey@newcastlecathedral.org.uk.