Highcross Leicester celebrates local heroes with immersive street art installation
Highcross Leicester has transformed its 24-hour corridor near St Peter’s Square with a striking new street art installation created in collaboration with Graffwerk, celebrating the people, communities and cultural events that have shaped the city’s identity.
Building on the success of its previous collaboration with Graffwerk – a large-scale mural inspired by Leicester’s music scene and created by artist Wing Lo – Highcross commissioned the creative collective once again for this latest project, with the Graffwerk artist team transforming the corridor into a bold celebration of Leicester’s local heroes.
The immersive installation will showcase influential figures from across sports, music and literature, broadcasting, public health and community life.
Those being honoured include:
Laurel Aitken, founder of ska music
Broadcasting legend, Sir David Attenborough
Elvy Morton, founder of Leicester Caribbean Carnival
Kasabian frontman, Sergio Pizzorno
Public health pioneer, Professor Ivan Browne
Singer-songwriter, Mahalia
Sue Townsend, author
Rakhee Thakrar, actor
Figures representing sporting institutions like Leicester City Football Club and Leicester Tigers.
The artwork will also celebrate some of Leicester’s most significant cultural events and organisations, including Diwali, Vaisakhi and the Caribbean Carnival, recognising the contributions of the communities and organisations behind these landmark celebrations.
Delivered in collaboration with Graffwerk, the project brings together contemporary street art and community storytelling to create a bold tribute. The installation spans 120 metres in length and 3 metres in height.
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.
“Following the success of previous installations, we’re proud to once again work with local artists and organisations to transform our spaces in a way that reflects the people and communities that make up the city. This installation is all about celebrating identity, pride and connection, while reimagining what a retail environment can be.”
Izzy Peacock, Creative Director of Graffwerk, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to work with Highcross to deliver a mural celebration of Leicester. We’re incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work together.
“It’s always great to add colour to otherwise plain walls and even better when we can partner with organisations who feel the same.”
The project forms part of Highcross Leicester’s ongoing commitment to creating engaging, experience-led spaces that reflect the character of the city and strengthen its role as a key cultural and retail destination.
For more information on Highcross, visit www.highcrossleicester.com, or check out its social media channels, on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram.
For more information on Graffwerk, visit https://www.graffwerk.org/.
