Rest under the stars, hello Planet Earth and pop-up cathedral: Summer in our Cathedrals. What will you discover?
The scatter cushions are down, the deckchairs out, it must be summer in Carlisle Cathedral, planet Earth is just about to land in Southwell and Hereford is taking the cathedral out onto the Close.
Rest Under The Stars, which encourages visitors to take time to sit and stare up at Carlisle Cathedral’s starry ceiling, is back – due to its success last year.
Organized with local charity Prism Arts, this year it is accompanied by a new bespoke soundscape creating an immersive installation.
Rest Under the Stars opens in the cathedral on July 26 and will visit communities across the county later in the year exploring the different sights and sounds to create a new soundscape of Cumbrian Journeys for next year’s installation. Rest Under the Stars is open every day except Sundays, 28 July, 3 August and 26 August.
Other summer events at Carlisle include Untold Stories: The Hidden Lives of Books Exhibition now on display in the Fratry Hall featuring books from the Cathedral’s extensive historic library including some never-seen-before items from the archives. There’s an extensive programme of free family craft activities on offer throughout August in the Undercroft and special tours available, including the Bell Tower Tour and the Angels’ View Tour.
Revd Canon Benjamin Carter, Canon Warden at Carlisle Cathedral, said:
“We are delighted to have such a varied programme of events on offer this summer and encourage the local community, visitors, holidaymakers and pilgrims alike to come and explore over 900 years of history with us.
“Daily services also continue as well as recitals, visiting choirs and Farmers’ Markets – we truly hope there is something suitable for everyone.”
Tours can be booked at here and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Southwell Minster is getting ready to host Gaia, artist, Luke Jerram’s art installation of planet Earth.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface offering visitors the opportunity to see our planet floating in three-dimensions, like never before.
The installation creates a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.
A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning Composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture and it opens in the cathedral on July 26. Southwell has organised a package of events to run alongside the exhibition from interactive talks from The Average Scientist, crafts, games, poetry, a photographic exhibition, and an evening with the Revd Kate Bottley.
Hereford Cathedral is packing up and moving for the summer in a unique summer offering of Cathedral on the Close.
This August, the team at Hereford Cathedral is inviting people to join them for a week of teaching, discovery and creativity as they host Cathedral on the Close – expect dinosaurs, a magician and jazz!
From Wednesday 16 – Monday 21 August, a marquee will be erected in the Cathedral Close for a week of fun activities and events for people to discover more about what the cathedral offers.
The Very Revd Sarah Brown, Dean of Hereford, said:
“Hereford Cathedral is many things – daily and routinely of course a place of Christian mission and worship but also a place for discovery, learning, music, fun and community – all the things that put a bit of joy and interest into life.”
“My key message is that everyone should know that this Cathedral is their cathedral – not just a big old building that gives focus and character to the city centre but that the doors are open to everyone for visiting, events, support, funerals, christenings and times of great fun and celebration.”
A highlight of the week’s programme will be the Saturday Spectacular on August 19 in partnership with Hereford City Life when the Cathedral Close will be taken over by roaming dinosaurs, a craft fair and food suppliers. There will also be two stages with live music from local bands, a play in a day, two evening performances for families and a comedian and magician will bring a night of tricks and laughter for all ages.
Cathedral on the Close ends with Messy Church for a drop in day of creative and fun Christ-centred crafts and activities together.
Cathedral on the Close will take place in a marquee located in the Cathedral Close. Full details of events and ticketing information, where applicable, can be found on the Hereford Cathedral website here.
