Public art trail Rocket Round Leicester is set to benefit from the artistic skills of art and design students from NWSLC who have been commissioned following a Dragons’ Den style pitch to create designs for four rocket sculptures that will go on display in the city this summer.

Rocket Round Leicester is anticipated to attract around 300,000 people to Leicester between 19 July and 26 September boosting the city’s economy and contributing to its post-pandemic recovery while also raising money for hospice charity LOROS.

Selected from around 30 submissions, the four winning designs for the mini rocket sculptures, known as Junior Jets, sponsored by North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) were created by Isobelle Wilebore from Hinckley, Jared Barnett from Nuneaton, Kelsi Brewin, from Barwell and Rebecca Jenkins from Nuneaton. In addition, elements from designs submitted by foundation learning students Lauren Slaney and Tianna-Leigh Iddisah-Jackson will be incorporated into the concepts.

The four Junior Jets will be designed to reflect one of the college’s campuses and the achievements of NWSLC students. The Harrowbrook Campus jet will depict aspects of construction, the Nuneaton design will feature a range of professional and keyworker careers, the Wigston Campus rocket will focus on the college’s celebration of achievement event, and the final sculpture will showcase the creative arts Hinckley Campus.

The successful students now have until 1 June to work on bringing their design concepts to life on the Junior Jet sculptures in preparation for their installation alongside the main rocket trail. The college has pledged to raise at least £1,000 for LOROS as part its involvement in the trail and donations can be made here.

The scheme features 40 giant rocket sculptures designed by professional artists as part of a spectacular trail that will take visitors to the city’s top spots on a free outdoor art exhibition. NWSLC’s colourful rocket, ‘Sent with Love’, is being designed by artist Emma Everitt to represent a message of love, peace, and kindness.

Carrie-Anne Abdulai, Director for Higher Education and Access to Higher Education Provision for NWSLC said, “Rocket Round Leicester is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain experience of a live commercial project by creating designs for the rockets, competing against their peers, meeting real deadlines, and delivering against their objectives.

“The whole of the UK has experienced unprecedented challenges and Leicester in particular has suffered more than many areas from the devastating effects of the pandemic. We are keen to support Leicester’s recovery, and believe that the trail will help to bring people into the city as well as providing a boost to a much-loved charity. We are looking forward to supporting the students as they progress with the project, bringing their designs to life and getting the fundraising underway.”