Loughborough’s Hope Bell, commemorating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, will be officially unveiled at the start of next month.
The event, which takes place on Friday, 4 July in Queen’s Park, will include the first ringing of the bell.
Picture credit: Charnwood Borough Council
The installation serves as a tribute to the NHS, key workers, and the resilience of the local community, while also providing a space for reflection in memory of those lost.
Part of the Lanes and Links project by Charnwood Borough Council and funded through the Loughborough Town Deal, the bell aims to strengthen the connection between the town centre and the park. It was crafted by John Taylor & Co Bellfoundry, a historic local firm.
Standing 7.5 metres tall, the clock chime structure includes four quarter bells and the main Hope Bell, supported by steel pillars symbolising a collective embrace—a gesture deeply missed during the pandemic.
Cllr Jennifer Tillotson called the unveiling a “historic moment” for the community, while Cllr Anne Gray praised the journey of the project. Martin Traynor OBE, chair of Loughborough Town Deal, said the bell stands as a lasting tribute to lives lost and the dedication of key workers.
The event, which is open to the public, will take place at 10:30am.
