Shoppers at Meadowhall are being given a rare behind-the-scenes look at this summer’s Pride of Yorkshire art trail – with artists painting giant lion sculptures right in front of customers.
The Pride of Yorkshire studio has opened on the Upper Avenue, where visitors can stop by, chat with artists and watch the plain white lions be slowly transformed into colourful works of art.
The project will raise money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity and has been introduced to celebrate 150 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
One of the first artists working in the studio is Barnsley creative Adam Briscoe, who is designing a pair of lions inspired by fellow South Yorkshire football team Doncaster Rovers.
Upon launch in summer 2026, 150 large lions and lionesses will be displayed across major cities and towns in South Yorkshire, such as Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham. Alongside this, 150 cubs will also be on display, designed by community groups and local schools.
Meadowhall has also been confirmed as the Presenting Partner for the trail. It will also host the Farewell Event in autumn 2026, when all of the finished sculptures are brought together before being auctioned to the public to raise funds for the charity.
Cheryl Davidson, Project Lead for Pride of Yorkshire, said working with Meadowhall again was an exciting step for the project.
She said: “They played a huge role in the success of Herd of Sheffield and Bears of Sheffield, and having them as Presenting Partner means even more families will be able to discover the trail.”
Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall, said the team were proud to support the charity once more.
He said: “It’s fantastic to be supporting Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity once again – it’s always been a joy to bring the community together and help to raise vital funds.
“We hope this inspires even more people to get involved with the trail when it launches in the summer.”
Visitors can take photos with the lions in progress and share them on social media for the chance to win a family ticket to the Pride of Yorkshire Farewell Event.
You can follow the progress of the trail on social media through Pride of Yorkshire’s official Instagram page.