A new mural to signify peace in Worcester has been painted at Cripplegate Park.
The mural has been created ahead of the International Day of Peace on Saturday 21 September.
The design incorporates a dove and olive branch – to symbolise peace – and the world in different sets of hands combined.
Worcester City Council’s Chair of the Communities Committee, Councillor Jabba Riaz said: “It is brilliant to see the mural painted in one of Worcester’s beautiful parks.
“It’s a symbol of togetherness and peace in our city. I would urge people to take a few minutes out of your day, to come and have a look and reflect on how we can all work together to make the world a more peaceful place.”
MP for Worcester, Tom Collins, said: “This is a day to think of those living where there is conflict, and also to be grateful for the peace that we enjoy.
“I’m so proud to live in Worcester, where so many cultures are celebrated and we all share a common love for our city.
“This mural is a beautiful artwork and symbol. For me it reflects how, amongst all our busyness, each of us has a role to play, every day, to continually work for peace.”
The mural, created by Worcester Paint Festival members, was officially unveiled today (Friday 13 September), a week ahead of the International Day of Peace – which will be marked in Worcester for the first time.
Worcester Paint Festival Director, Kate Cox, added: “Street art has been used to represent peace for years.
“Worcester Paint Festival shares the morals of the International Day of Peace and we are honoured to be involved in this way.
“Thank you to Mural Minded for providing this lovely piece of work.”
Next Saturday (21 September) a Peace Day event is taking place at Cathedral Square between 11.15am and 12.45pm.
The free event will include songs, poems, speeches followed by the laying of candlelights and flowers.
Participants will also join with a minute of silence across the globe at midday. This will be followed by the raising of a peace flag.
Worcester Paint Festival is running on the same day as the International Day of Peace. They will have a base at the History and Heritage Pod at Crowngate Shopping Centre.
Also taking place next Saturday (21 September) is a Faith Conference at the Guildhall.
Worcester City Council welcomes all representatives of faith and belief to attend the event, to reflect Worcester’s diverse community.
The event, running between 1.30pm and 3pm, will allow representatives to share aspirations, achievements and challenges.
