Coming Together for the Dartford Bear Hunt 2026
This summer, Dartford and Bluewater will be transformed by the exciting Dartford Bear Hunt Art Trail 2026, running from 17 July to 13 September 2026. Inspired by the much-loved children’s story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, the trail will feature 30 large bear sculptures designed by local and national artists, alongside around 50 Bear Cubs decorated by schools and community groups.
We are incredibly proud that several schools across our Trust have taken part in this fantastic community initiative. Our pupils embraced the opportunity to decorate Bear Cubs and support the important fundraising work of Ellenor.
For the past few months, schools within the Aletheia Academy Trust have shown tremendous enthusiasm and creativity.
Pupils, staff, and families came together to organise a range of fundraising activities, including a school Mini Marathon , colour fun run, and other community events. A special highlight was the visit from an Ellenor representative, who presented the school with a cheque acknowledging the incredible total of £2,464.41 raised.
The partnership between the Bear Hunt Trail and Ellenor carries a powerful message. The famous words from We’re Going on a Bear Hunt — “We can’t go over it, we can’t go under it… we’ve got to go through it!” reflect the support that Ellenor provides to children, adults, and families as they face life’s challenges together.
A special feature of this year’s trail is Ellenor’s Memory Bear. This unique sculpture offers people the opportunity to dedicate a name in memory of a loved one, creating a lasting tribute and a shared space for remembrance within the community. The Memory Bear has been designed by artist Becky Shepperson and will form an important part of the trail.
The project has also brought together local knitters, stitchers, and crafters who are helping to create decorations and displays for the event.
We would like to thank all our pupils, staff, families, and supporters who have contributed their time, creativity, and fundraising efforts.
We look forward to visiting the bears this summer!
The big question is: can you spot all 14 of our Trust’s bears on the trail this summer?
