BID Leicester is sponsoring Rocket Round Leicester, a family-friendly art trail lasting across the city’s streets and outdoor spaces this summer, brought to you by LOROS Hospice. Showcasing 40 stunning giant Rocket sculptures transformed by both local artists and artists across the country, the trail aims to bring the community together to enjoy unique works of art whilst raising money for a much-loved local charity.
Local organisations are joining the fun trail through unique Sponsorship packages. Alongside Leicester City Council and Mattioli Woods, BID Leicester have jumped on board as an Official Supporter of Rocket Round Leicester. Sponsors and Partners of the trail have had the once in a lifetime opportunity to select their favourite design and collaborate with the artist in bringing the almost 8-foot tall sculptures to life.
Each sculpture will stand tall on display for 10-weeks before they are auctioned to raise money for LOROS Hospice to allow them to continue to care for over 2,500 terminally ill people every year.
BID Leicester have selected a design by local artist and LOROS Hospice employee Anna Shutt, titled ‘LeiceStarry Night’. Inspired by a visit to the Van Gogh immersive experience and exhibition at All Saints Church in Leicester, Anna felt connected to his Starry Night painting which is reflected throughout her Rocket design. The artwork also features a poem written by her daughter titled after Van Gogh’s own words, ‘Hope is in the stars’.
Anna Shutt says, “From working at the hospice, I see each day how special the place is. Ever since conversations started at LOROS for the trail, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
“I’ve always been a fan of Van Gogh since studying him at university and when I visited the exhibition, I felt truly inspired by his artwork and wanted to tribute this within my design. I also wanted to pay ode to the city which is how LeiceStarry Night was born.
“As we know, 2020 was a difficult year and I was amazed at how poignant ‘Hope is in the Stars’ is today despite Van Gogh first writing these words in a letter to his brother in 1888.”
Considering the continued impact of COVID-19, LeiceStarry Night represents the city’s post-pandemic recovery and the values of LOROS Hospice too. Both the design and wider trail aims to have a positive impact on Leicester’s local community and provide a much needed social, wellbeing and economic boost to the city.
Simon Jenner, Director of BID Leicester, adds “BID Leicester is delighted to be supporting Rocket Round Leicester and I am looking forward to seeing people of all ages safely enjoying the city centre and this public art trail.
“The team at BID Leicester were blown away by Anna’s rocket design and its themes of hope and optimism which will resonate with many after a tough year. I can’t wait to see the final piece this summer, along with the other rockets created by talented local artists.
“The increased footfall into Leicester will bring great benefit to our businesses and the local economy as we work towards recovery from the pandemic and towards a more prosperous future.”
LOROS Hospice is working with leading art event producers Wild in Art to present the trail which blasts off from Monday 19th July 2021.
The Rocket sculpture designs are all kept secret before the trail is live as part of the fun. Keep one eye on the sky and the other on the Rocket Round Leicester social media pages to see sneak peeks of the Rockets designs as they prepare for lift off – @RocketRoundLeicester.
There are still a handful of Sponsorship packages available for local organisations to join the space mission and sponsor their own Rocket sculptures. To find out more about sponsoring a Rocket today, click here.