Civic dignitaries were joined by hundreds of people for the official opening of the new £2.5 million Leicester Cathedral Gardens this weekend.
The event was marked by two days of celebration and activities called "the garden of life".
The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, , speaking to the gathering from a stage next to the cathedral, yesterday, said: "These gardens are the fruit of so many years of planning by so many people.
"I hope you all are going to feel at home here.
"It is your space. It is for the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and beyond.
"It is for people of all faiths. Ours is a city of all nations and we hope this place will be a place of healing."
Ajay Kukdiya and his wife Daksal and their three-year-old son Vatasal went along to the opening.
Mr Kukdiya, 32, of Narborough Road, said: "We came here to see what was happening and we are glad we did.
"It is a fabulous area and everyone here has been so friendly and welcoming. These gardens have a lovely gentle feel about them."
Mrs Kukdiya said: "Our son is having a great time watching the dancers and listening to the choir.
"It is amazing that there is this space to explore in the middle of a busy city."
Colin Bent and his wife Averil, of Coalville, were at the event to see their granddaughter Ellen Bowley sing in a schools performance of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Mr Bent, 71, said: "This is an amazing transformation at these gardens.
"Not that long ago this place looked like a bomb had gone off in it. Now it is a beautiful space full of art and water features and places to sit."
Mrs Bent, 69, said: "Our granddaughter has not stopped talking about appearing here.
"We are here to support her but also to see just how wonderful they have made this place. I have to say they have done a very good job indeed."
David and Vicki Lewis, of Glenfield, were there with their grandchildren Oliver, 12, and Freya, 9.
Oliver said: "This place is good. I am looking forward to going on the climbing wall."
Freya said: "It is lovely. I am going to have fun in the drum workshop."
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he was delighted to be at the opening of the gardens.
He said: "To have such a green oasis right in the very heart of this city is marvellous.
County Hall contributed and commissioned a £250,000 sculpture work called Towards Stillness, which is sited in the garden.
Leicestershire county council leader Nick Rushton said: "This cathedral is the physical and spiritual heart of the city and the county and we are pleased to have been able to work with the cathedral and the city council on this wonderful project."
The two-day celebrations were started by a performance in the gardens by the Curve Youth Theatre.
Yesterday there was a climbing tower, puppetry and puppet workshops, face painting and nail art, a drumming workshop, balloon modelling, comedy, dance and music.
Today there was more stage entertainment, along with a programme of medieval activities, with costumed performers, displays, storytelling, falconry and jesting.
