Sheffield is to mark the third annual national Covid-19 Day of Reflection this weekend with an event when people can add messages to the city’s memorial tree.
There will be a reflective tribute in the Town Hall followed by a short remembrance service in Balm Green Gardens.
Lord Mayor Cllr Safiya Saeed said: “This is the third year that we will come together to remember everyone who we have lost since the pandemic began six years ago.
“On Sunday, it’s our opportunity to reflect on the impact of the pandemic on all of us, and we will remember and honour the commitment, kindness and dedication of those who saved lives and looked after people during this incredibly difficult period.”
The session in the Town hall between 12pm and 3pm will give attendees a space to pay tribute to those lost to the pandemic and there will be the opportunity to write a one-word message for the following remembrance service.
Messages will then be attached to the steel willow tree memorial sculpture in Balm Green Gardens during the remembrance service from 4pm until 4:20pm to create a temporary art piece.
George King, architect of the willow tree, said: “Whilst a willow tree has a strong trunk which symbolises how people worked together to create the strength that was needed at such a difficult time, it is also a flexible and resilient tree.
“It’s a very special, significant piece of art, made in Sheffield for the people of Sheffield.”
The steel willow tree was installed by Mr King in March 2023 to mark three years since the first pandemic and acts as a place of reflection and remembrance for the people of Sheffield.
The event in Balm Green Gardens will be opened by Cllr Fran Belbin and closed by Cllr Saeed.
The memorial event has been coordinated by Sheffield City Council in partnership with Compassionate Sheffield, a community-led programme that supports people with issues surrounding grief and loss.
Sheffield Compassion will have representatives on hand to offer support to anybody who wishes to talk about their experiences with Covid-19.
