Five years after the nation went into lockdown, Exeter is set to pay tribute to all those who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city will be holding a series of special commemorations – organised by the City Council, working alongside the University of Exeter – to reflect on the challenges and resilience of the community during this historic period.
A special Covid Memorial event will take place on Sunday (23 March), the anniversary of the UK’s first national lockdown.
The event will take place at the Covid memorial tree in Northernhay Gardens at 10:40am, featuring poignant snippets from the University of Exeter’s I Remember: Exeter’s Memory of the COVID-19 Pandemic project, which captures personal reflections on this significant time.
The memorial tree was planted in 2021 and is located near the War Memorial. If entering the park from Queen Street, it is halfway up the hill on the left hand side.
In addition to the memorial event, a Book of Memories will be available at Exeter’s historic Guildhall from 11.30am to 4.30pm, offering a space for individuals to share their experiences – both the hardships and the moments of hope.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to listen to the full I Remember audio recordings in the Guildhall’s Jury Room, providing a deeply personal and moving insight into Exeter’s collective memory of the pandemic. These audio files will also be available online from Sunday afternoon.
An online video message from Exeter’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Kevin Mitchell, is also available. Cllr Mitchell said: “Covid affected us all in different ways and I cannot begin to understand every individual experience as every journey through this period was truly unique.”
He added: “My thoughts remain with those who experienced bereavement during this challenging time.”
Further recognising the efforts of local heroes, a snippet of the Lockdown Legends Project, curated by the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), will also be showcased at the Guildhall. This project honoured individuals who went above and beyond to support others during the pandemic. Alongside this, videos created during the lockdowns will be displayed, offering a powerful reminder of the city’s endurance and community spirit.
These commemorations aim to provide a space for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance, ensuring that the experiences and sacrifices of the past are not forgotten. Everyone is welcome to attend in this moment of reflection and appreciation, but especially those who volunteered their time or worked through the lockdown.
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