Exeter is set to pay tribute to all those who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with a series of special commemorations, five years after the nation went into lockdown.
The commemorations taking place in the city have been organised by the City Council, working alongside the University of Exeter, and 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 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.
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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