Key workers’ faces to light up trees across Manchester to say thanks for their hard work

A new public art trail that will honour Greater Manchester’s key workers has been announced.

The project comes from Ramsbottom-based Illuminos, an artist duo responsible for some of the digital works seen at the likes of Bluedot festival and Chinese New Year.

Trees across the city centre will be illuminated with the faces of nominated key workers in a touching ‘tree tribute’.

There is set to be 33 trees, known as Sentinels, glowing with the faces of key workers over a series of evenings throughout June.

The project has been created by Hits Radio and City of Trees, a charity that aims to plant a tree for every person living in the city region. 

The Sentinels will create the City of Trees Trail, including trees in spots like Stevenson Square, St John’s Gardens, Sackville Park and Manchester Cathedral.

You can nominate key workers for the project, whether they are NHS staff, teachers, delivery drivers or supermarket employees!

Just use the #LivingHeroes hashtag before June 14th with a photo of your nominated key worker on social media. 

Rob Vale, one of the Illuminos artists, said of Sentinels: “It is our response to the coronavirus outbreak, and a way of using our artistic practice as celebration of those people who must continue to work – steadfast and unwavering, through this crisis.

“The growth of these urban trees – the green against the grey – remind us of the life force of the many key workers that carry us through these difficult times.

“By forming each tree via video projection into living portraits, their actions can be celebrated – sentinels stood proud in the city.”

Sarah Nurton from City of Trees said: “We hope this will be a fitting way to recognise and celebrate some of Greater Manchester’s amazing key workers.

“Each tree has its own unique character and we aim to match that with those nominated in a truly unique tribute.”