A swing has been installed inside Leicester Cathedral to highlight the importance of play for young and old as a way to support our health and wellbeing.
Swing installed in Leicester Cathedral
(This story first appeared online on the BBC website here)
The installation, by Leicester artist Mandeep Dhadialla, includes an indoor garden complete with flowers, foliage and wildlife, all made from paper.
Running alongside the installation are a series of events including craft and play sessions, as well as a film screening.
Ms Dhadialla, a Kenyan-born British-Indian artist and printmaker, told the BBC:
“We forget to play when we’re growing up.
“There’s so much of life happening that we forget, and it’s nice to be reminded as adults and to see children having a swing as well, to kind of foster all of that and remind ourselves and reconnect.”
The Very Reverend Karen Rooms, Dean of Leicester said:
“We are a cathedral for everyone. We really want this building to be available to everyone in the city and county, to feel that this is space that people can come and be in, that they can find a sense of calm and peace.
“We want people to pray and connect with god, but we also want people to enjoy their visit.”
The Dean said that the cathedral had been “a little bit busier” since the installation had been installed and confirmed that she had a go on the swing too!
The installation is free and open daily until 31 October between 09:30 to 16:30 BST, though there may be exceptions to this due to cathedral services
