Mural celebrating 'many colours' of city finished

A legendary broadcaster, Kasabian's frontman and a former director of public health have been immortalised in a new street art mural celebrating Leicester's people, communities and culture.

The installation has been painted on the Highcross shopping centre's 24-hour corridor near St Peter's Square, showcasing influential figures from across sport, music and literature, broadcasting, public health and community life.

The shopping centre said the project was created in collaboration with Graffwerk, "transforming the corridor into a bold celebration of Leicester's local heroes".

Those featured include Sir David Attenborough, author Sue Townsend and public health pioneer Prof Ivan Browne.

Browne, who is best known for guiding Leicester through the Covid-19 pandemic as the city's director of public health, said it was an "honour" to have been featured.

"This means so much to me," he said. "How do you deal with the idea that you are part of the fabric of this city?

"I think what I love about this corridor is that whoever you are, this city embraces you."

On his efforts during the national and local lockdowns, he said: "I don't think I could have done it anywhere but Leicester because we're all in this together.

"You see that through this corridor. You see community and I think that's what it really represents."

Other notable figures featured on the artwork include Elvy Morton, founder of Leicester Caribbean Carnival and Laurel Aitken, a pioneer of ska music.

Amarjit Singh, a volunteer for the Midland Langar Seva Society, was also depicted alongside other members of the Leicester's Sikh community.

"It shows that a canvas is made of many colours and that diversity is a good thing and we should celebrate it," he said.

Michelle Menezes, centre director at Highcross Leicester, said: "This latest collaboration with Graffwerk builds on our shared ambition to bring creativity and culture into the heart of Highcross.

"This installation is all about celebrating identity, pride and connection, while reimagining what a retail environment can be."

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.