Here’s when Paddington Bear is returning to Newbury after statue was stolen by vandals

Paddington is coming home.

His short adventure is nearly over and the Newbury Business Improvement District (BID) has confirmed the town’s favourite bear will be returning to its rightful place this week.

And they want you to come along and help celebrate the homecoming on Wednesday (April 9).

The statue of our beloved bear has undergone some essential repairs after it was damaged and taken on a short trip back on March 2 and will be officially unveiled again that morning.

Two men have since been sentenced for their part in his disappearance.

But to celebrate Paddington’s return and mark the start of the Easter school holidays, Newbury BID is inviting children to write a letter welcoming him back to Newbury.

The letters can be delivered to a special post box next to Paddington’s bench, outside Camp Hopson in Northbrook Street, between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday.

Ben Beardmore-Gray, marketing manager at Newbury BID, said: “We have received so many lovely messages from parents who wanted to share how much their children have been missing Paddington, and we are delighted to announce that Paddington is finally ready for his much-anticipated return to Newbury.

“The reinstallation offers a unique opportunity for us to provide a special moment that parents can share with their children, so we’d like to invite any families along on the day to join us welcoming Paddington home.”

The statue holds particular significance for Newbury, as the town is the birthplace of Michael Bond, Paddington’s creator—making this cherished landmark even more special.

Trish Willetts, CEO at Newbury BID, added: “Newbury is a beautiful market town with so much to offer, and we are delighted to have received so much positive attention from around the world, despite the unexpected circumstances.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far once Paddington triumphantly returns from his short adventure away.”