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.
9. Represent
In this image alone are lions in the image of three Sheffield artists and bands, with Self Esteem's 'A Complicated Lioness' left, a Jarvis Cocker-esque lion for Pulp in the middle, and a rocking Def Leopard on the right. | Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust
10. On the prowl
The public was given a first look at all 150 lions at an exhibit at the Utilita Arena. | Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust
11. Clawing in cash for charity
The lions are on display until September, then they will be auctioned for charity at Meadowhall in October. | Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust
12. Look after our lions
The auction in October all depends if South Yorkshire can look after the lions. This lion by Definitely Jenny had to be taken for repairs four days before launch after suffering a hairline crack - likely from someone jumping on it. | Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust