Poppy memorial handmade by local community unveiled at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre

It's made up of more than 3,200 poppies.

A poppy cascade hand-knitted by community groups and members of the public has been unveiled at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre.

While most of the poppies are the traditional red, the cascade also features poppies in other colours. Black represents the sacrifices of Black, African and Caribbean service people and their families, purple remembers animals in service and white represents peace.

The artwork is the creative vision of Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre’s supervisor Debbie Miles Williams and was created to honour all of those who have served in the armed forces, and those who have lost family, friends and comrades in conflict.

Councillor Paul Harrison, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, said: "The poppy cascade at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre is a truly moving tribute to those who lost their lives in conflict. Each of the 3,204 hand-knitted poppies represents not only remembrance but also the incredible spirit of community that defines Leicestershire.

"I’m deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time and talent to create this powerful display. I encourage residents and visitors alike to come and see it — to reflect, to remember, and to appreciate the collective effort that has brought this tribute to life."

The 3,204 poppies were crafted in schools, homes, community groups and libraries. Local knitting groups, solo knitters, Heritage Centre staff and former service personnel all picked up their needles to create flowers for the display.

The artwork hangs in pride of place in the Upper Courtyard, where it will remain for two weeks.

At the end of this period, it will be carefully packed and stored away until it can be reinstalled next year, with the plan for it to grow every year.

Plans are already underway to encourage more people to get involved in the project and knit poppies for next year’s display, including the creation of a monthly ‘knit and natter’ group at the Heritage Centre, working with more schools and community groups.