Covid: Sheffield to host service to remember pandemic victims

The city's Covid memorial sculpture was unveiled in March 2023.

A memorial event to remember people who died during the Coronavirus pandemic will be held in Sheffield later.

The event will mark the first annual day of reflection in memory of all those who died with the disease.

According to government figures, 2,011 people died in Sheffield between January 2021 and December 2023 with Covid-19 on their death certificate.

The service will take place at Balm Green Gardens from midday by the city's Covid memorial willow tree sculpture.

Proceedings will begin with a minute's silence followed by a collection of speeches by civic leaders and the relatives and friends of those who died.

People will also be encouraged to decorate memorial leaves with their personal messages and attach them to the memorial tree.

The leaves will later be taken down and stored by the Sheffield Council's City Archives Team.

Council leader Tom Hunt said: "The day of reflection is an opportunity to come together and remember everyone that we have lost to Covid.

"The pandemic was difficult for us all but we know that some people and communities were disproportionately affected by Covid.

"We re-iterate our commitment to making sure their voices and stories are remembered and to reducing inequalities in our city."

The city's memorial sculpture, made from stainless steel and designed by architect George King, was unveiled in March 2023.