To mark 150 years of life-changing care, Sheffield Children’s Hospital has announced its most ambitious project yet, launching Pride of Yorkshire – a region-wide sculpture trail featuring 150 full-sized lion and lioness sculptures, plus 150 lion cubs.
From June to September 2026, visitors will be able to explore the colourful trail across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham, with each sculpture uniquely designed by artists, schools and community groups. The free public art exhibition promises to be a visual feast – and a powerful fundraiser for the hospital’s future.
Building on the success of 2021’s Bears of Sheffield, this new trail will once again unite communities and bring creativity to the streets – but on an even grander scale. “This is going to be our biggest and most impactful campaign yet,” said Cheryl Davidson, Head of Community and Events at the charity and Project Lead for Pride of Yorkshire. “We’re inviting everyone to be part of it – whether that’s businesses sponsoring a sculpture, schools taking on the fundraising challenge or families heading out to explore the trail. Together, we can shape the future of children’s healthcare in South Yorkshire.”
The team behind the trail are calling on local heroes from all walks of life to step forward. Businesses are encouraged to sponsor a sculpture and be part of a landmark community celebration, while artists can apply to transform a lion into a one-of-a-kind artwork.
Schools and community groups will have the opportunity to adopt a lion cub and fundraise for the cause, and families will be invited to explore the trail and get involved however they can. The official public launch takes place on 11 June 2025, with the trail running from 8 June to 7 September 2026. A farewell event and auction will follow in October 2026, hosted at Meadowhall.
With support from all four local authorities and headline sponsorship from the Loadhog Foundation, the project is already roaring ahead. “The Loadhog Foundation was set up to give back to local causes,” said Lucy Ellis, Marketing and Communications Manager at Loadhog. “We’re proud to back this brilliant celebration of creativity, community and care.”
Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, of Sheffield City Council, said: “This trail is more than just art – it’s a way of supporting the hospital and showcasing our region to visitors. I’d urge local businesses to get behind it.” Barnsley’s Cllr Robin Franklin added: “This is a great chance for our communities to get involved, discover the trail and enjoy a truly uplifting public art experience.”
Once the trail ends, all large lion sculptures will be auctioned to raise vital funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital. The cubs, meanwhile, will return to the schools and groups who helped create them – a lasting reminder of their part in this once-in-a-generation celebration.
To get involved or learn more, head to www.prideofyorkshire.org, and follow the trail’s journey on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or LinkedIn.
