The Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP, unveiled Leicester’s World Tree at the junction of Troon Way/Melton Road, Leicester on Friday 4 March 2016 in the presence of Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby; Assistant Mayor Cllr Piara Clair together with invited guests and local residents.
The 5m high sculpture, whose branches are filled not with fruit, but with bronze light bulbs, stands opposite the site of the former GE-Thorn Lighting factory, a light bulb making factory which was internationally known.
The light bulbs represent the site's history, and the map of the world at the base of the tree acknowledges the many communities who have made Leicester their home.
Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who took the lead on Leicester’s World Tree project, chaired the advisory committee that selected the design.
Rt Hon Keith Vaz said: "We have often described Leicester as a mirror of the world where people have come from all over the world to settle.
"The World Tree will represent the role played by people of different cultures in making Leicester a great city – and I am sure it will attract visitors from all over the world. I am delighted that Mr Speaker was able to take some time out of his busy schedule to visit Leicester for this historic moment.
"I would like to thank City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and assistant city mayor Councillor Piara Singh Clair for their support on this project.”
