Paddington was first unveiled at Norwich Cathedral on February 12, 2025, after Norwich became the 24th place in the country to get a statue of the much-loved Bear.
For the past year, he has been greeting people on a bench in the grounds of Norwich Cathedral.
Norwich Cathedral choristers Theo Holden, left, and Luca Ficarra Soards, sit with Paddington Bear (Image: Denise Bradley)
A spokeswoman for Norwich BID said more than 100,000 people have visited the statue in that time.
She added: “Whether you’re a regular or just passing through, thanks for making our Paddington part of your journey this past year.
“The Paddington Bench is a place where people feel comfortable visiting on their own.
“He really has brought a lot of joy, and the location he is in suits him so well- a place of peace and contemplation.”
In a survey last February half-term, 70pc of people said that they travelled more than 10 miles to see Paddington.
Norwich Cathedral choristers and the Dean, the Very Rev Andrew Braddock, sit with Paddington Bear. From left, Moli Li, Zoe Asamoah, Theo Holden, and Luca Ficarra Soards (Image: Denise Bradley)
The attraction, since then, has only grown with the statue even making an appearance in selfies with emergency service crews.
Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, the Dean of Norwich, also described the city landmark as “the perfect setting” for the bench.
He added that “Paddington’s message of kindness and curiosity resonates beautifully with the Cathedral’s own spirit of welcome”.
Last year, Laura Palmer, who is a teacher at Cringleford C.E.V.A. Primary School, was asked to unveil the statue after pupils in her class all wrote to StudioCanal with reasons why Paddington should come to Norwich.
“One of the children wrote that lonely people can go and sit with Paddington for company,” she said.
“Another pointed out that Paddington is a refugee, and there are many refugees living here looking to make Norwich their home.”