On July 4th 2025 the Hope Bell in Queens Park Loughborough rang for the first time. It was designed and installed by Vertigo Creative who have also designed and installed the new ground floor museum in the Carillon Tower in Queens Park.
The Hope Bell, designed to mark the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on local communities, is a tribute to the NHS and key workers. It serves as a reminder of how communities came together to support each other in challenging times. It will also be a place for reflection to remember those lost in the pandemic.
Bells are synonymous with Loughborough as it is home to the last major bell foundry in the UK, John Taylor & Co Bellfoundry, which made the Hope Bell on behalf of the Council.
The Hope Bell is a clock chime installation comprising four quarter chime bells and the main Hope Bell. It is 7.5 metres high. The bells are supported by four steel pillars which symbolise people coming together to embrace in a hug, something people said was much missed in the early days of the pandemic. The installation of the four pillars and the bells began in September 2024.
The Hope Bell is part of the Lanes and Links project which is being led by Charnwood Borough Council and funded through Loughborough Town Deal. As well as the creation of the bell, the project has made improvements to better link the park and town centre.
