For ten weeks this summer, The Big Sleuth, so called because ‘sleuth’ is the name of a group of bears, will bring Bear-mingham alive with colour and activity as colleagues, friends and families discover the bears hidden in the region’s bear-utiful open spaces, inspiring buildings and other hidden gems, which they may not have seen before.

Download the bear-illiant new app, The Big Sleuth, to find and collect all the stunning sun bears which have prowled into Birmingham and the surrounding areas of Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Sandwell and Resorts World.

Each striking sculpture tells a different story, whether it is raising awareness of the children’s hospital, the plight of the sun bear, celebrating a community, the city’s industrial heritage or a famous film character or artist.

Creative designs using an array of colours, textures and ideas have come from celebrities and artists, including the very well respected artists Temper and Reuben Colley, pop-rock star Bradley Simpson from The Vamps, actor Adil Ray A.K.A Citizen Khan, Birmingham Bears and England cricketer Chris Woakes, adventurer Bear Grylls, and a special Peaky Blinders bear endorsed by the show’s writer Steven Knight.

“We’re so excited that The Big Sleuth is finally here!” commented Louise McCathie, Director of Fundraising at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. “We hope The Big Sleuth will encourage people to come together to walk, jog, run or cycle the free trail. You can track your trail by downloading The Big Sleuth app, which allows you to collect bears and unlock rewards. Also consider taking part in our grr-eat Super Sleuth Challenges, which will raise money for our amazing hospital!”

Sally-Ann Wilkinson, Director of Wild in Art, said: “We’re delighted that this year’s exciting trail is here. We very much hope that The Big Sleuth will bring you hours of enjoyment discovering the wonderful world of creativity – celebrating Birmingham’s talent, rich culture and heritage. We would like to thank everybody who has supported this important project. The contribution from communities, schools, artists and sponsors is at the very core of the success of The Big Sleuth, and for that we are immensely grateful.”

At the end of the trail, the large bears together with the special celebrity bear cubs will be auctioned off in October to raise vital funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. The Big Sleuth’s predecessor, The Big Hoot, raised over £500,000 for the charity at auction, and The Big Sleuth aims to do the same.