New Great Britain stamps celebrate two decades of Peppa Pig

By David Hartwig

Great Britain’s Royal Mail celebrates 20 years of Peppa Pig, the British animated TV series for preschool children, on a set of 12 stamps issued May 16.

The multi-award-winning series has delighted viewers of all ages since the first episode aired on United Kingdom screens in May 2004. Today, viewers in more than 180 countries around the world can tune in to the adventures of Peppa and her family.

Royal Mail said Peppa “has grown into a truly global phenomenon” in the past two decades, with toys, books, music, live shows and even theme parks. The new set of stamps adds to this list of Peppa Pig memorabilia.

Eight of the stamps are presented in two se-tenant (side-by-side) strips of four. The stamps in one strip are valued at the first-class rate (currently £1.35), and the stamps on the other are denominated £2.

Each of these eight stamps features characters from the show’s vast animal world. In Peppa Pig, the titular character is an energetic and curious young piglet who loves exploring and having adventures with her family and friends.

Peppa’s younger brother, George Pig, often accompanies his sister on her playful exploits, adding his own charming quirks to their adventures. Peppa’s circle of friends includes Suzy Sheep and Danny Dog, who enjoy imaginative play and outdoor activities.

Her parents, Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig, often join Peppa on her escapades, offering love, support, guidance and humor along the way. The wise and affectionate Grandpa Pig and Granny Pig adore their grandchildren and often share stories during their visits. Grandpa Pig and Granny Pig have a pet parrot named Polly.

Other characters on the show include the postman Mr. Zebra; his daughter Zoe; and Madame Gazelle, the teacher of Peppa’s playgroup and a musician in a rock band called the Rocking Gazelles.

The jack-of-all-trades Mr. Bull works as a garbageman, construction worker, nurse and taxi driver. Miss Rabbit also holds many jobs, including bus driver, supermarket assistant, librarian, helicopter pilot, firefighter, ice cream seller, shoe shop assistant, nurse, ticket seller and more.

A souvenir sheet included with the issue features four additional stamps, with two valued at the first-class rate and two denominated £2. The sheet’s selvage shows the backdrop of a party for Peppa, and each stamp shows a different character at the party: Zoe Zebra, Peppa, George and Suzy Sheep.

According to Royal Mail, part of the show’s appeal, aside from being funny, is its ...

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