A spectacular seven-metre model of the sun is set to light up Derby Cathedral this autumn, marking the start of its centenary celebrations.
The sun to rise over Derby Cathedral’s 100th year this autumn
Artist Luke Jerram will bring his latest touring installation, Helios, to the city from 20 to 31 October, giving visitors the chance to get up close to a recreation of the sun.
The immersive artwork combines art, science and sound to reveal the extraordinary detail of our nearest star, featuring imagery created from NASA observations and photographs captured by astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green.
A range of interactive activities linked to the installation will be available for Key Stage 1 and 2 schoolchildren, as well as visitors of all ages.
The exhibition follows the huge success of the artist’s previous installations at Derby Cathedral. More than 55,000 people visited Museum of the Moon in 2019, while thousands more flocked to see Gaia, his giant sculpture of the Earth, in 2022.
The installation, named after the ancient Greek god of the sun, is built to an approximate scale of 1:200 million, meaning every centimetre of the glowing sphere represents around 2,000 kilometres of the sun’s surface. To help visitors grasp the massive scale, a tiny model of the Earth will be displayed nearby.
Visitors will be able to see remarkable features including sunspots and vast solar filaments, all brought to life through animated lighting and a specially created soundtrack.
As a symbol of life and hope, Helios provides a powerful opportunity for reflection within a sacred space, strengthening the Cathedral’s mission of inclusion, learning and community engagement.
A year of celebration ahead
Derby Cathedral will celebrate 100 years as a Cathedral in 2027. The Diocese of Derby, established the same year, will jointly mark the milestone with a year-long programme of special events and activities under the theme “A Century of Faith, A Future of Hope”.
The programme invites churches, schools, chaplaincies and community partners across Derbyshire to take part. Plans include:
- Gathering and sharing stories from across the first 100 years of the Cathedral and Diocese
- Support for parishes and schools to develop their own centenary activities
- Significant moments of celebration and reflection, led jointly by the Cathedral and Diocese
- Opportunities for service, community engagement and lasting legacy projects
The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Helios to Derby Cathedral as the sun rises on our centenary year of celebrations. This remarkable artwork brings together science, creativity and spirituality in a way that will inspire curiosity and wonder and reinforce our vision of being an arts and culture hub within the city.
“We look forward to welcoming schools, families and visitors from across the region to explore the installation, engage with the educational activities on offer and discover Derby Cathedral as a place of culture, learning, reflection and community.
“The themes of light, creation and hope resonate deeply within the Christian tradition, making Helios a particularly fitting addition to our centenary programme.”
Artist Luke Jerram said:
“As well as highlighting the science of the Sun, Helios allows us to consider its importance in all our lives; for light, warmth, energy for our planet and how our nearest star has inspired culture and religion throughout history, all around the world.”
The installation has been made possible through support from the Friends of Derby Cathedral and All Saints Derby Charity. There is no charge to enter Derby Cathedral; visitors are encouraged to make a donation of £5 to enjoy Helios. The donation will go towards supporting the Cathedral’s vision of being a place for all.
The installation has been made possible through support from the Friends of Derby Cathedral and All Saints Derby Charity. There is no charge to enter Derby Cathedral; visitors are encouraged to make a donation of £5 to enjoy Helios. The donation will go towards supporting the Cathedral’s vision of being a place for all.
