Planet Parade art trail to launch in city centre

6 hours ago

Greig WatsonEast Midlands

Artists have worked with school children on the designs of the planets

BID Leicester Two girls in blue uniforms are focused on etching designs into metal plates — Artists have worked with school children on the designs of the planets

An arts and science trail designed to turn Leicester into a "walkable solar system" is due to begin.

More than 250 school children and local artists have created planets to be installed at venues across the city centre as part of Planet Parade.

The free trail, which runs from 30 March to 31 May, is a partnership between the National Space Centre and BID Leicester, with support from DMUEngagement community challenge fund.

Officials from the project said it aimed to encourage the exploration of the city through art, science and creativity.

Artist Marcus Dove has been involved in co-creating Mars and Neptune

Leicester BID Artist Marcus Dove sat beside a large abstract blue painting spread out on a floor. — Artist Marcus Dove has been involved in co-creating Mars and Neptune

Participants can follow the trail using the My Leicester App, or pick up paper maps available at each location.

Locations include the National Space Centre, which hosts the Sun, Jewry Wall and Roman Baths, where Venus is located, while Jupiter can be found at the Haymarket Shopping Centre.

A launch event today will see a parade at 16:30 BST from Leicester Cathedral to Haymarket Shopping Centre, followed by performances and activities by young dancers and musicians from the Moving Together and Pedestrian groups.

Chas Bishop, chief executive of the National Space Centre, said the initiative was a "fantastic celebration of creativity and collaboration".

"It's been inspiring to see so many young people working alongside artists to explore space in imaginative ways," he said.

Simon Jenner, director of BID Leicester, added: "This is a brilliant example of how we can bring the city together through creativity.

"Planet Parade will encourage families to explore Leicester, support local venues and discover the incredible work being created by young people and artists across the city."

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