New UK licensing partnership with Rainbow Designs for Bagpuss

International media group and rights owner Coolabi has today announced a UK licensing partnership with leading soft toy manufacturers Rainbow Designs for heritage brand Bagpuss.

Licensed by Coolabi Licensing Ltd, the iconic, charming, British animated children’s television series Bagpuss first premiered on UK television in 1974. Co-created by Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate through their production company Smallfilms, the Bagpuss series, which ran for a total of thirteen episodes, has left a lasting legacy.

Coolabi is delighted to share that Rainbow Designs will be launching a new range of Bagpuss plush toys later this year. The exclusive Bagpuss plush collection will be available to consumers across the UK in A/W 2023.

For over 50 years, Rainbow Designs has been creating high quality, made-to-last toys, inspired by the beloved characters from children’s literature, for babies and children of all ages, promoting bedtime cuddles and stories, and providing fun, comfort and sensory learning.

Anthony Temple, Managing Director, Rainbow Designs, comments: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Bagpuss to Rainbow’s family of classic characters ahead of his 50th anniversary celebration next year. This much-loved saggy cloth cat has created so many superb childhood memories for both parents and grandparents, families now have the opportunity to enjoy this delightful character with their children, creating new, lasting memories – which is such a wonderful gift!

“Bagpuss is a hugely iconic and instantly recognisable character. We received a fantastic response to our new super cuddly, yawning soft toy at all the trade shows this season, and we absolutely cannot wait to have him on the shelves and available to consumers later this year.”

Fran Huxley, Coolabi Group, comments: “Bagpuss is such a renowned and celebrated character, he holds such a special place in the hearts of families around the world. We are thrilled to be working with Rainbow Designs to bring Bagpuss into homes across the UK ahead of his 50th anniversary celebration in 2024, with further announcements to be made later this year.”

The magical, saggy old cloth cat has consistently been voted to the top positions of many polls of Greatest Children’s TV shows over the last twenty years. Peter Firmin, co-creator of Bagpuss, was honoured with a Special BAFTA Children’s Award in 2014 for his contribution to Children’s TV with Bagpuss proving to be the star of the show.

Coolabi Group is set to make further exciting announcements later in the year, as Bagpuss celebrates his 50th anniversary in 2024.