Light and sound spectaculars to illuminate Salisbury Cathedral

Sarum Lights, which have been created for the cathedral by artistic collaboration Luxmuralis, also marks the the start of Salisbury 2020 City on the move — a year-long celebration marking the 800th anniversary of the cathedral’s move from Old Sarum and the development of the city itself.

Across five nights from Tuesday, February 18 to Saturday 22, the cathedral’s facade and its interior will be transformed by large-scale projections exploring the story of the cathedral since its foundation in 1220.

The installations, accompanied by specially commissioned music, will take ticket holders on a walking journey through the cathedral spaces, to celebrate the life and work of the people of Salisbury, who shaped the place.

Sarum Lights is sponsored by charity fund investment managers CCLA, NFU Mutual Wessex and Ecclesiastical.

Throughout the year, Salisbury 2020, City on the move will be celebrating not only the rich heritage of the city and Cathedral, but also marking Salisbury’s recovery post-Novichok. This year is a year of change for this resilient city, with development projects and a rebranding exercise already underway.

Nicholas Papapdopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: “We are looking forward to the opening event of what we believe will be a vibrant and exciting year for the community of Salisbury.

“In the Cathedral Close alone there are five attractions, each engaging with different periods in this nation’s and region’s history, from the stone age to the present day. It is an extraordinary legacy to celebrate.”

Luxmuralis’ artistic director Peter Walker said: “We are delighted to be working with the Cathedral to help celebrate such a remarkable moment in its history. Luxmuralis as an artistic collaboration is all about re-imagining places and architecture in new ways. Salisbury Cathedral’s 800th year allows us to focus on a rich history of art and culture, utilizing that heritage to tell that history, but also to express the aspirations for the present and the future, a message we will be looking to articulate through light and sound on the magnificent West Front, and in the stunning internal spaces that pilgrims and visitors alike have marvelled at for generations”

Simon Hedges, Agent at NFU Mutual Wessex said:

“As a local Salisbury business NFU Mutual Wessex is delighted to be supporting Sarum Lights, and to be involved in the celebration of the 800th anniversary of Salisbury cathedral.”

Tickets for Sarum Lights can be booked online : salisburycathedral.org.uk/events/sarum-lights-light-and-sound-spectacular

£5 adults, £4 child (U/16), £16 family (2 adults / 2 children). Children under 3 go free and do not require a ticket (the event is pushchair friendly). On the day/walk up: £8 no concessions (subject to availability)