These rainbow umbrellas appeared above the shops on Coppergate Walk a couple of weeks ago. They were previously installed last year as part of a gay pride event, but this year their installation was brough forward to add a cheerful element to the scene during lockdown, and they follow the rainbow theme with rainbows in the windows of many homes around the city as a sign of hope.
Beyond the umbrellas is the lantern tower of All Saints Church, another sign of hope to travellers in earlier times, with the tower showing a light at night to guide them through the dangerous Forest of Galtres to the north of the city. It was built around 1400 AD.
Although the shops within the Coppergate Centre remain closed, the street is still well-used by key workers parking in the neighbouring Castle Car Park, families enjoying their daily walks through the city centre, and takeaway customers for the two street-food operators within St Mary’s Square. They certainly brought a smile to my face as I walked through here.
They are so pretty and the street is very nicely decorated with them. I do not understand why the rainbow colours should be limited or associated solely with LGBT movements.
Thank you all for your wonderful comments, they are very much appreciated.
Last year the display of umbrella was changed at roughly monthly intervals. For example there were green unbrellas with appropriate markings to look like tennis balls for Wimbledon, umbrellas with works of art in conjunction with a nearby art installation and of course the rainbow umbrellas.
I agree. There seems to have been a definite attempt by the LGBT community to take the rainbow as their symbol, but the recent Covid 19 crisis has lead to many people putting rainbows in their windows as a sign of hope, a meaning that is much more appropriate to the original Biblical story of the rainbow.
Thank you all for your wonderful comments, they are very much appreciated.
Last year the display of umbrella was changed at roughly monthly intervals. For example there were green unbrellas with appropriate markings to look like tennis balls for Wimbledon, umbrellas with works of art in conjunction with a nearby art installation and of course the rainbow umbrellas.
Ian
I agree. There seems to have been a definite attempt by the LGBT community to take the rainbow as their symbol, but the recent Covid 19 crisis has lead to many people putting rainbows in their windows as a sign of hope, a meaning that is much more appropriate to the original Biblical story of the rainbow.
Ian
Thank you Sarah - it's a really cheerful display and one of the first signs in the city centre of the beginning of a return to normal.
Ian
Thank you William. I had thought this would get a better reception, but never mind, I enjoyed taking the shot, which is the most important thing.
Ian