Pride of Yorkshire painting space now open for viewings
Something very exciting is happening on The Moor… and you’re invited to see it up close.
The doors to our Pride of Yorkshire painting space have opened to the public for the very first time. It will give visitors a sneak peak of the 150 lions and lionesses being brought to life for the 2026 trail.
Standing proud on Moor Walk (which hosts The Light cinema) on The Moor in Sheffield city centre, the studio has been a hive of activity for weeks. Artists have been sketching, priming and painting their lions… and now you can watch the magic unfold right in front of your eyes!
Whether you pop in on your lunch break, bring the kids after school or are heading to The Moor to do some shopping, you’ll be able to watch artists at work and get sneak peek of what South Yorkshire can expect when Pride of Yorkshire roars to life in June 2026.
A space full of colour!
What started as a simple empty unit has now become the beating heart of the trail. A place where lions are transformed from blank sculptures into bold, brilliant works of art by talented artists from across the region and beyond!
Lee Appleton, Centre Manager at The Moor, has loved seeing the transformation:
“We first got involved by offering a vacant unit for storage, but it’s since evolved into a full design studio where the lions are taking shape. It’s been a pleasure to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital and their £2.8 million fundraising ambition. Projects like this make a real difference to our days at The Moor, and we’re proud to be part of something with such positive impact.”
A first peek at the trail coming to life…
Cheryl Davidson, Project Lead for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, is thrilled the public can finally take a look:
“Being able to watch these lions being painted in the heart of the city is a truly special moment for our charity. Pride of Yorkshire is all about bringing people together, and this space does exactly that. We’d like to say a big thank you to The Moor, Signs Express, Simpson Patterns Ltd and APCOA for helping make it possible, as we prepare to celebrate 150 years of Sheffield Children’s.”
And there’s plenty to look forward to. More than sixty artists have already been announced, each with their own style. From bold graphic shapes to hand-painted stories and playful illustrations.
Over the coming months, new lions will arrive, others will be finished, and the space will keep changing… so no two visits will be the same.
Where to find us
Where: Moor Walk, The Moor, Sheffield City Centre
When: Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm until March 2026 (please note: the painting space will be closed for viewings from Friday 19th December – Monday 5th January to give our lions a well-earned festive break!)
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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