Pride of 150 lions brings local art to Doncaster and raise funds for hospital

Incredible lion statues take over Doncaster and celebrate local history with an open air trial this summer.

Pride Of Yorkshire has officially launched their 150 lions across South Yorkshire on Monday, June 8.

The open air art trial will encourage people to discover as many of the lions as they possibly can over the summer.

Here in Doncaster lions have appeared in the city centre, at the racecourse, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the minster and in the market quarter.

Local artist Sarah Smith was thrilled to take part in this large scale art project.

Her lion is located outside the train station and was based on the industrial history of Doncaster.

Sarah, 37, told us: “We have such a rich and diverse industrial heritage.

“I decided to look into it and found a fascinating connection to glassworks.

“I also included diamond cutters, sweets and other amazing things that Doncaster has produced.”

Anyone who wants to take part in the trial can download an app which will let them track their progress as they track down each member of the pride.

Statues are in Barnsley, Sheffield and Rotherham as well as Doncaster.

The lion statues are celebrating 150 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital - they are aiming to raise over two million pounds with this project.

Sarah told us: “It is to raise money to build a new A&E department as the current one is not first for purpose.

“It is really important to have a good space for children and young people who need emergency care.”

As well as the 150 lions designed by artists there are 150 lion cubs which have been created by schools and community groups across South Yorkshire. John Armstrong, Chief Executive of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “The Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail is a celebration of 150 years of Sheffield Children’s and everything the hospital means to families across this region and beyond.

“We’re delighted our sculpture trail will extend into Doncaster for the first time, and hope it brings joy to visitors to the town throughout the summer.”

The trial will be in place until September 2026 so it is a great activity to do with children over the summer months.

For more information on the art trail visit their website prideofyorkshire.org