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Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Leicester (Æß²ÊÖ±²¥) has announced its support for a spectacular charity art trail blasting its way across the city throughout the summer.

Organised by LOROS Hospice with help from leading art event producers Wild in Art, ‘Rocket Round Leicester’ is a free, family-friendly art trail designed to bring the people of Leicester together, starting from today (Monday 19 July).

Featuring 40 giant rocket sculptures dotted across the city’s streets and open spaces – including three on the Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ campus – the trail will be the biggest art event Leicester has ever seen, giving visitors a voyage of discovery as they explore the different areas.

Each rocket has been individually designed by a professional artist(s), and Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ has sponsored two of them; the ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ rocket, which can be found at the Haymarket Bus Station on Charles Street, and the ‘Women Who Clothed The World’ rocket, situated on Mill Lane on the university campus.

Sarah Thomson, Director of Social Impact and Engagement at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be sponsoring two rockets and supporting LOROS as part of the Rocket Round Leicester art trail.

“The rockets themselves are absolutely beautiful and it will be wonderful to walk around Leicester and find all of them. Trails are a fantastic way for visitors and locals alike to discover new places in the city and explore new spaces.”

She continued: “The two rockets we are sponsoring, are the Diversity and Inclusion rocket and The Women Who Clothed the World rocket, both of which we felt spoke the values of the university.

“We are also really excited to have three rockets on our campus and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ when they are on the trail to find them all.”

Created by local Leicester artist, Adam Khalifa, the Diversity and Inclusion rocket reflects all that the university and city stand for – as well as supporting and showcasing homegrown talent, it represents the importance of embracing different cultures to enrich the community and unite people from all walks of life.

The Diversity and Inclusion rocket, sponsored by Æß²ÊÖ±²¥

Meanwhile, the Women Who Clothed the World rocket, designed and painted by Leicester agency Pickle Illustration, highlights the hidden stories of people who made a real impact on the world and represents the meaningful journey the city’s fashion industry has been on and how it helped build a solid foundation for fresh talent to emerge.

The Women Who Clothed The World rocket, sponsored by Æß²ÊÖ±²¥

To promote the Rocket Round Leicester trail throughout the 10 weeks, LOROS Hospice has organised a whole host of events, challenges and activities, including a space-themed outdoor cinema on the Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ campus on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August.

Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ is also offering prizes and rewards for anyone who scans the QR code at the two sponsored rockets – including discounted tickets for the outdoor cinema event.

With a likely footfall of around 300,000 people, bringing in an expected £6 million to the local economy, Rocket Round Leicester will form a pivotal part of the city’s post-pandemic economic recovery. At the end of the trail, each giant Rocket will be auctioned to raise money for LOROS Hospice to help them continue to care for over 2,500 terminally ill local people every year.

John Knight, LOROS Hospice CEO, said: “Rocket Round Leicester will be the biggest and most exciting art project ever seen in Leicester. It will bring fun, colour and creativity to the city all for a brilliant cause. I’d like to urge everyone, local people, schools, community organisations and local businesses to get involved and be part of something amazing for the city of Leicester.” 

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art, added: “We are delighted to be working with LOROS Hospice to bring Rocket Round Leicester to the city. Our events are designed to bring the enjoyment of public art to everyone while offering new ways for people to explore their local area, but we need the support of local businesses to make it happen.

“Sponsorship of a rocket is an unprecedented business development, employee and community engagement opportunity and it is an excellent way to support LOROS Hospice’s vital work. Don’t miss the chance to join us!”