After months of careful crafting, The Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail has emerged from workshops in Sheffield and lions are now roaming the streets.
150 life-sized lion sculptures and 150 lion cubs, each designed and painted by artists, schools and community groups, can now be found across Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster.
Sheffielders will remember the elephants from the Herd of Sheffield trail in 2016 and the Bears of Sheffield trail in 2021.
Now, in their most ambitious project yet, Attercliffe fibreglass factory Simpson Patterns has crafted the Pride in celebration of Sheffield Children’s Hospital’s 150th anniversary.
The trail runs from June to September 2026, before the large lions are auctioned to raise funds to support the transformation of the emergency department at the hospital.
But in order for the lions to raise as much money as possible for charity, it’s up to South Yorkshire to take care of them.
Each concrete plinth asks passers-by not to sit on the lions and to treat each one with the respect the King of Beasts deserves.
But, compared to the bears and the elephants, the lions are much lower to the ground - possessing an almost bench-like quality, one could say.
The life size lions have already proven irresistible to some troublemakers, with one already having to leave the pride for repairs.
The wild cat outside Burger King on Fargate by artist Jenny Tang, aka Definitely Jenny, was poached on June 4, with residents distraught that it could have been stolen.
However, those behind the trail assured the lion had only been taken for a touch-up after a hairline crack was discovered.
“We think someone jumped on it,” said a spokesperson.
Upset readers have contacted The Star sharing how some lions were chipped and scuffed before the trail launched.
Each lion arrived wrapped in black plastic to protect them prior to launch - but many had their covers ripped off by curious citygoers within days.
The lions stand to raised millions for charity at auction this year - but only if South Yorkshire can look after them!
Since late 2025, selected South Yorkshire artists have got their paws dirty designing and painting the Pride in workshops.
Famous faces include England Women’s Footballer (a Lioness herself) Esme Morgan, cricketeer Joe Root, Pulp’s Richard Hawley, and Sheffield olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill.
Featured artists also include Bubba2000, Megan ‘Peachzz’ Russell, Sarah ‘Faunagraphic’ Yates, and Pete McKee, among dozens of others.
Meanwhile, over hundred schools and community groups were invited to paint the cubs.
Organisers describe it as the UK’s largest ever public art sculpture trail.
Every penny raised during Pride of Yorkshire will help to create a calm, child-friendly space designed for children and young people in need of urgent care.
The trail uns until Tuesday, September 8.
1. The Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail for Sheffield Children's Hospital has hit the streets.
The Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail for Sheffield Children's Hospital has hit the streets. | Iconic Media Group
2. The Pride of Yorkshire
The Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail is made of 150 full-sized lions decorated by artists and famous faces, while 150 cubs have been painted by schools & community organisations. | Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust
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3. Up to bat
Dozens of famous faces & featured artists have had a paw in designing and painting the Pride of Yorkshire, such as England cricketer Joe Root. | Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust
4. Champion
Sheffield Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill with a lion in her likeness by artist Natasha Clarke. | Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust