18 November – 22 December 2024
Bagpuss has been invited on a special Christmas tour of Canterbury by his friends, the Canterbury Bears. Their trip includes visits to local shops, restaurants, salons and cafés, where you will find them sharing a cup of tea, trying on hats, reading books together and more.
To join the trail from 18th November, pick up a postcard and trail map from any participating stores. We recommend you start your adventure at The Beaney where you can visit the Smallfilms Exhibition (home to the original Bagpuss). Then it’s time to head out to find Bagpuss and the Canterbury Bears across the city and claim a stamp at each trail stop.
Collect 5 stamps and head to Fenwick Toy Department to claim your mini prize. Those that make it to either The Beaney or Cosmo China (a china shop owned by the Firmin family on Palace Street) can collect a special star stamp, which means you can claim an extra prize when you visit Fenwick. For those who complete the trail you are invited to enter a special prize draw where one lucky winner will receive a £100 Canterbury Gift Card and a Canterbury Bear!
All participating stores will have a poster displayed, so you know they are taking part.
Download the trail leaflet here >>>
Please note – you will only be able to claim a stamp when the businesses are open, so please plan your visit in advance
Celebrate the music of Bagpuss
Head to the Gulbenkian Theatre on Friday 29th November for a live celebration of the music and songs from the stories of Bagpuss, with composer Sandra Kerr. Book your tickets for a magical evening of music.
Return on Saturday 30 November for Smallfilms on the Big Screen - a nostalgic medley of Smallfilms productions in the Gulbenkian cinema, including classic episodes of Bagpuss, The Clangers and Noggin the Nog. This special event will be hosted by Simon Postgate, son of Oliver, who will share stories and insights into these fabulous films.
The Canterbury Christmas Window trail has been supported by Hospices for Hope – a charity supported by the Postgate and Firmin families. The Bagpuss Children’s Wing, run by a partner organisation in Romania, cares for seriously ill children providing vital services through a day care centre and various therapies for children in Romania free of charge.
Bagpuss was created by BAFTA award-winning Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate through their company Smallfilms and was filmed in Blean.
Why not go and visit The Smallfilms Gallery to see the original Bagpuss at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge in Canterbury city centre?
You can buy your very own Bagpuss at Rainbow Designs.
The Canterbury Bears company was founded 45 years ago by painter John Blackburn MBE. The family business continues to run from a workshop in Littlebourne.
Read about their history in Canterbury and find your forever friends with The Canterbury Bears.
