Leicester Sporting Success Mural Unveiled In New Parks
- Leicester City in the Community holds an unveiling event for a brand-new mural on the side of the New Parks Club for Young People
- The mural showcases Wes Morgan and Kasper Schmeichel, alongside Leicester-born snooker player, Mark Selby
- It coincided with the birthday of long-serving New Parks Club for Young People chairman, Nev Turner, who was the man behind the mural
- It was produced by Graffwerk and funded by The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation
Local street artists Graffwerk have once more produced stunning artwork in the heart of the city with a mural dedicated to Leicester’s sporting success in 2021.
Sitting on the side of the New Parks Club for Young People building, the mural depicts Kasper Schmeichel and Wes Morgan lifting Leicester City’s first FA Cup, as well as New Parks’ Mark Selby lifting his fourth World Snooker Championship.
Nev Turner, the New Parks Club for Young People Chairman, was the man behind the mural, and after successfully securing funding from The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation, the mural was unveiled to the public on the day of his 86th birthday.
Speaking at the event, Nev expressed sheer gratitude to the mural and the support of the local community on his birthday.
“It is unbelievable, I never expected anything like this,” he said. “I appreciate what Leicester City in the Community have done for the New Parks Club for Young People.
“We have been planning this mural on the wall for seven-eight years and it corresponded with Leicester City winning the FA Cup, so it was a great honour and privilege to have this on the building.”
Former New Parks resident and City fan Mark Selby returned to his hometown to see the mural for himself. The four-time World Snooker champion reflected on the art and how his long-standing relationship with Nev has helped him get to where he is today.
“The mural looks amazing,” said Selby. “It is the least we could have done for Nev, he was the one doing all of the hours under the sun to keep the Club for Young People going and this is where it all started for me.
“If it wasn’t for him, there is no way in the world I would have been able to achieve what I have achieved. To have the mural on the wall is fantastic and to have it on my home estate – where I was brought up as a young lad – is great.”
Also in attendance was Club Ambassador Alan 'The Birch' Birchenall, who was on hand to offer a few words to friend Nev on his birthday. Speaking in front of the mural, the former Foxes star spoke about the day in New Parks.
“It is a work of art,” said the Birch. “It’s lovely to think that The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation helped to make this happen. Full marks to the artist and to Nev, who has initiated this mural here in New Parks.
“We have paid tribute to Nev, whose birthday it is today, so what a fantastic day it has been all-round.”