Council’s VE Day tribute in Grosvenor Park

A striking tribute to commemorate this year’s 75th anniversary of VE Day is attracting a lot of attention in Chester’s Grosvenor Park.

A solitary WW2 solider now stands deep in thought in the middle of a flower bed in the centre of the popular park.  The life-sized wicker sculpture is joined by giant-sized ‘VE’ lettering and planes.

Cheshire West and Chester Council commissioned the sculptures which are the work of artist Sarah Gallagher-Hayes.  Sarah runs her own company Twigtwisters with a studio at Dunham on the Hill.

Miniature plane sculptures have also been hidden in trees around the park for children to enjoy ‘plane spotting’.

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport said: “The display in Grosvenor Park is very impressive and a fitting tribute to this year’s 75^th anniversary of VE Day.  The sculptures will soon be accompanied by fabulous displays of red, white and blue flowers, which will be planted by our StreetCare team when all risk of frost has gone.

“I know many people have already admired it and children are enjoying ‘plane spotting’ around the park while out exercising.”

The Council’s Environment Commissioning team organised the display which was paid for by local ward members and section 106 social and community funding.  The sculptures will be on display in the Park until Spring 2021.

All visitors to the park should ensure they follow social distancing guidelines and stay two metres apart at all times.