Ipswich Borough Council is inviting residents and visitors to a special community event celebrating peace, unity and global connection, with the unveiling of a new sculpture in Christchurch Park, Ipswich.
The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne, will officially unveil a statue donated in commemoration of peace campaigner Sri Chinmoy on Sunday 21 June at 2pm in the Upper Arboretum, Christchurch Park.
The location is one of the most scenic areas of the 70-acre park and was chosen to suit the nature of the memorial, which aims to provide a tranquil space for quiet reflection.
Commissioned by the international Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run organisation, the bronze statue, plinth and plaque, along with a bench, are currently being installed in the Upper Arboretum by members of the Ipswich Borough Council Parks team.
Sri Chinmoy, who lived from 1931 to 2007, was an Indian spiritual leader who promoted world peace through meditation and initiatives such as the Oneness-Home Peace Run.
‘Peace Statues’ of Sri Chinmoy holding a Peace Torch are located around the world and one of these has already been in place at Chantry Park, Ipswich since 2013. Created by British sculptor Kaivalya Torpy, a British artist renowned for his public sculptures, they are intended to be a lasting symbol of Sri Chinmoy’s messages of harmony, self-transcendence and inner peace.
Sunday’s event will begin with a welcome from organisers Martin Spettigue and Devashishu Torpy (the sculptor’s son) followed by an introduction to the Peace Run, a global torch relay that has visited more than 150 countries since its founding in 1987. Participants will arrive carrying the Peace Torch, offering attendees a chance to hold it and reflect on their own hopes for peace.
The unveiling ceremony will also include live music and group singing, before the Mayor is invited to reveal the statue and mark the occasion.
Councillor Stefan Long, Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sport, said:
“We are proud to welcome this meaningful addition to Christchurch Park. The Peace Statue provides a space for reflection and reminds us of the importance of kindness, understanding and unity in our communities. Uplifting events like this help bring people together and reinforce Ipswich’s role as an inclusive and outward-looking town.”
Martin Spettigue, the founder of Ipswich’s Sri Chinmoy Centre and an organiser of the event, said:
“Sri Chinmoy visited Ipswich on two occasions in 1976 and 1987. This statue will be similar to the one we have had in Chantry Park for 13 years. Sri Chinmoy dedicated his life to promoting world peace through the ideal of a one world family. There are a number of these statues throughout the world and they are regarded as Peace Statues, offering something that will inspire people to think more and more about peace. People often visit them to reflect on the importance of peace in their own lives or offer their prayers and good wishes for world peace.”
Residents and visitors are welcome to attend the unveiling, and enjoy this new addition to the features, facilities and tranquil settings within Ipswich’s historic Christchurch Park.
- The unveiling takes place on Sunday 21 June 2026, 2pm–2.45pm, in the Upper Arboretum, Christchurch Park, Ipswich.
- Sri Chinmoy devoted his life to encouraging harmony through art, sport, music and meditation, and his legacy continues around the world through initiatives like the Peace Run.
- The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run is a global relay founded in 1987 and has visited over 150 countries, promoting peace and harmony to thousands of people across the world. Organised entirely by volunteers, it brings together people from all walks of life to foster goodwill and friendship across borders. Rather than raising funds or supporting political causes, the initiative focuses on inspiring individuals and communities to share a com