Birmingham Peace Gardens to host Covid memorial service

Birmingham’s Peace Garden is to host a special Covid memorial service – open to the public – bringing together the city’s faith leaders to remember those lost during the pandemic.

The event - which is being held in the park, off Bath Row in the city centre - is being organised by Birmingham City Council who say it will be a celebration of thanksgiving for how the city’s diverse communities worked together throughout the pandemic.

Community spirit across Birmingham came to the fore during the pandemic amid the grief and uncertainty - clapping for NHS staff and frontline workers, neighbours delivering food to the vulnerable were among the many ways people came together to help one another.

The hour-long service on Sunday (26 June) will begin at 2:30pm and will feature contributions from NHS representatives as well as those of Birmingham’s faith communities, along with the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands and Lord Mayor of Birmingham.

The service is open to the public, however due to the location no seating is available, but those attending are welcome to bring their own.

For those unable to attend this service will be live streamed on the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group Facebook page

What have Birmingham City Councillors said about the Covid Memorial Service at the Peace Gardens?

Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “The pandemic saw our city, and the whole country, face unsettling and unprecedented times. It was moving and inspiring to see how our communities helped and supported each other in these challenging circumstances.

“This special service will provide an opportunity to reflect on the past two years and remember those who lost their lives and loved ones to Covid, as well as those who were on the frontline, in particular the NHS, emergency services and community volunteers.

“Birmingham’s response to the pandemic showed the strength of our community spirit and compassion. I know that this spirit will continue to flourish in what promises to be a very special year for our city.”

John Beard, speaking on behalf of the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group, said: “It was very pleasing to see how our city came together to work with different faith communities and those of none to create a community spirit that showed the very best of Birmingham, and the country, during the pandemic.

“This service aims to celebrate those frontline efforts as well as remember those we lost to Covid-19 – and I truly hope to see those community connections grow further so we can work towards common goals together.”

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