Leeds Installs First City Centre World Peace Flame

Leeds has made history by unveiling the first city centre-based World Peace Flame.

Located in Park Square, the new World Peace Flame was officially unveiled in March 2024 by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Al Garthwaite. This striking monument is housed within a specially designed, locally handcrafted replica miners’ lamp—honouring both heritage and hope.

The Park Square World Peace Flame project was made possible through a community-driven crowdfunding campaign led by volunteers from the Garforth Peace Project. While the project was funded through this initiative, the flame will be maintained by Leeds City Council’s parks and countryside service, ensuring its lasting presence at the heart of the city.

The unveiling event brought together a wide range of guests and community members, including Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Dr Kuldip Kaur Bharj OBE DL, representatives from the Garforth Peace Project and the World Peace Flame Foundation, as well as local councillors, school children, and community groups. Music from the Garforth Community Choir and Garforth Ukulele Players added warmth and celebration to the occasion.

In her speech, Councillor Garthwaite highlighted Leeds’ commitment to peace, describing it as a culturally diverse city that champions unity through initiatives such as city diplomacy, its role as a City of Sanctuary, and membership in Mayors for Peace. She expressed pride in unveiling a monument that will inspire residents and visitors alike to reflect on peace and take action towards a better world.

In keeping with the spirit of the initiative, members of the public are invited to take part by collecting from Leeds Central Library, free tealight candles that have been lit from the World Peace Flame, allowing them to share and carry forward the message of peace. Any flame lit from a peace flame becomes another peace flame—continuing a global chain of unity and hope.