Pride of Yorkshire Launch
Lions were set loose at Yorkshire Wildlife Park this week as Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity proudly unveiled its latest sculpture trail – Pride of Yorkshire – which is headed for South Yorkshire in June 2026.
The Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail launched in spectacular style this week, as Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity unveiled its most ambitious fundraising campaign yet.
At a special launch event held at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on 11 June, artists, media and supporters – including our headline sponsor, Loadhog Foundation – gathered to preview the first lion sculptures created by artist Tom Newell, whose past work includes Bears of Sheffield and Herd of Sheffield.
South Yorkshire on Safari in 2026
The Pride of Yorkshire will bring 150 large lion and lioness sculptures, plus 150 smaller lion cubs, to streets, parks and public spaces across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield from June to September 2026. The trail will celebrate 150 years of Sheffield Children’s and raise funds to support life-changing care.
Cheryl Davidson, Head of Community and Events at Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “This is more than just a trail. It’s a call to action for businesses, schools, artists and families to unite for a cause that touches so many lives.”
The charity has set an ambitious £2.8 million fundraising target for this campaign, and funds raised through Pride of Yorkshire will support cutting-edge research, vital new equipment and creative therapeutic projects for young patients.
John Armstrong, Chief Executive of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “This isn’t just about funding the big things – it’s about the small things.”. Ruth Brown, Chief Executive of Sheffield Children’s, added: “The charity helps us make hospital life less scary, more fun, more creative and more forward-thinking. It’s about creating new futures for children across the region.”
Artist Tom Newell returns for Pride of Yorkshire
Artist Tom J Newell, who took part in both the Herd of Sheffield and Bears of Sheffield sculpture trails, was asked to design and paint two ‘launch lions’ for the launch event; and created Dandylion and Dandylionness.
He spent a month working on his designs, and said he wanted them to really stand out: “My previous designs were black and white, and this time I wanted to do something different so went all out with colour. The lion’s mane has hundreds of angles and took four days to paint.”
You can find our interview with Tom about his creations here.
If you’re roaring to get involved in the Pride of Yorkshire, there are plenty of ways you can!
Get involved in Pride of Yorkshire
We’re on the lookout for talented Artists to design and paint these spectacular sculptures. The deadline to submit a design is Friday 25 July 2025 and you can submit your interest using the form here.
For Businesses looking to align their brand with a one-of-a-kind piece of art, have it seen by thousands across the region and support a special cause, you can get in touch to sponsor a sculpture here.
Last but certainly not least, any Schools & Community Groups eager to let their creativity and community spirit shine can now register to adopt an adorable lion cub sculpture. Find out more by submitting a query here.
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 on our website.
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