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University of Leicester Celebrates Sir David Attenborough Turning 100

Good News Post

May 8, 2026 — 2 min read

Cake featuring Sir David Attenborough for his 100th birthday during celebrations at the University of Leicester - Image credit The University of Leicester

By Community Correspondent

The University of Leicester marked Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday with a day of celebrations including a commemorative tree planting and a large themed cake created by two former Great British Bake Off stars.

The University has close historic links with Sir David and his family. He spent much of his childhood on campus after his father, Frederick Attenborough, became Principal of University College Leicester in 1932.

*Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah planting the tree - Image credit The University of Leicester*

To honour the centenary, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah joined staff for the planting of an amelanchier lamarckii tree outside College House — the former Attenborough family home during the 1930s and 1940s.

The tree now forms part of a specially designed jungle-themed garden.

Professor Canagarajah said Sir David’s work had inspired generations through his “curiosity” and “commitment to telling the story of the natural world”.

*University estates team responsible for creating the garden - Image credit The University of Leicester*

He also paid tribute to the wider Attenborough family and their lasting influence on the University through education, research and public service.

Celebrations continued with the unveiling of a special birthday cake designed by University chemist and former Bake Off finalist Dr Josh Smalley, with help from 2018 winner Rahul Mandal.

Dr Josh Smalley, left, and Dr Rahul Mandal - Image credit The University of Leicester

The multi-tiered cake featured different ecosystems from around the world, including the Arctic, African plains, rainforests and oceans, topped with a chocolate Earth.

Dr Smalley said the design aimed to reflect Sir David’s extraordinary broadcasting career and lifelong connection to nature.

*The cake - Image credit The University of Leicester*

Other birthday events included a giant message painted onto the Fielding Johnson lawn by a robotic pitch marker and screenings of Sir David’s Ocean documentary at the University’s Attenborough Arts Centre.

The celebrations will continue this weekend with a public picnic at the Attenborough Arboretum in Leicester.

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