A roaring start: Pride of Yorkshire business launch
Sheffield’s skyline set the scene as our lions took centre stage at the Pride of Yorkshire business launch- and excitement for the trail is already building!
On 24 September, our lions took centre stage on the Radisson Blu balcony, overlooking Sheffield City Centre’s fabulous Peace Gardens. With the skyline as our backdrop, we welcomed businesses from right across the region to hear all about the Pride of Yorkshire trail.
The event introduced our ambitious plans for Summer 2026, when 300 lion and cub sculptures will take to the streets of Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster as part of the Pride of Yorkshire trail.
The trail will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Sheffield Children’s Hospital while raising vital funds to support world-class care, new facilities, equipment and research.
Guests heard from Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity’s Head of Strategic Partnerships Tchad Western about how businesses can get involved as sponsors, the impact the trail will have on the region, and the difference their support will make for children and families.
He said: “We wanted this trail to go wider than just Sheffield, because we want to tell the wider story of what Sheffield Children’s does. And it doesn’t just serve people in Sheffield, they come from all over. In fact, just having it in Yorkshire doesn’t do it justice to the reach of the hospital. It’s a national and international institution of excellence.
“We need your help. We want you to get behind the trail and have a lot of fun doing it.”
And from our headline sponsors Loadhog, Lucy Stringer shared her excitement with the room:
“This campaign shines a spotlight on the children and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges and the world class care being provided by the hospital. It reminds us that being proud of Yorkshire isn’t just about where we’re from, it’s about what we stand for. Which is resilience, kindness, innovation and heart.
“The Loadhog Foundation was created to invest in projects that improve lives. And I can’t think of a better project than this one.”
We were also joined by Jude Surr, Brand Lead at Tribepad, who spoke with enthusiasm about her company sponsoring a lion, and all the innovative ways the whole team would be getting involved throughout the next year.
It was fantastic to share our vision for Pride of Yorkshire with so many local organisations, and we’re excited to continue the journey together as we build towards a truly landmark event for South Yorkshire.
Thinking of getting involved?
Interested businesses can now discover more about becoming a Pride of Yorkshire sponsor over on the Business Page, where you’ll also find our sponsor pack and hear from some of our existing sponsors.
Key Dates for Sponsors:
January 2026: Applications to become a sponsor close.
February 2026: Sponsors choose their design from 150 unique sculptures.
June-September 2026: Pride of Yorkshire takes to the streets of South Yorkshire.
October 2026: Farewell event and action.
Pride of Yorkshire will run from June 2026 – September 2026 across South Yorkshire. Watch this space for more information, how to get involved and support and for artists announcements.
Keep up to date with all things Pride of Yorkshire by signing up to our Mailing List!
