Sarum Lights to return to Salisbury Cathedral in November

This year's display will explore our relationship with time

Author: Aaron HarperPublished 2nd Sep 2024

One of the biggest events of the year returns to Salisbury later this year, with Sarum Lights being confirmed for its fifth year.

The immersive light and sound show, which has attracted over 12,000 visitors since it's first show, will run from Tuesday 5th November to Saturday 9th November.

Tickets for the event go on sale from Monday 9th September at 10am.

The event, created by Luxmuralis, will explore the human relationship with the concept of time, offering a journey through history, science and imagination.

The artwork, which is projected onto the walls of the Cathedral, will see visitors traverse wormholes, get inside the internal workings of a clock and experience a dramatic journey stretching from the present day to the beginning of time.

The show will include examples of early cave paintings, a walk through Einstein’s theories of relativity and text from HG Wells’ The Time Machine.

An interactive installation called ‘A Note to Myself’ will encourage visitors to write a message to themselves, either their younger selves, themselves today or their thoughts for the future. The postcards will then form a growing cascade in the north transept of the Cathedral.

Peter Walker, Artistic Director of Luxmuralis, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing this new artwork to Salisbury for its world premiere. This large scale installation is art on an epic scale, allowing visitors to experience how time has inspired and influenced scientists, historians and artists and how it determines all our lives.

"Visitors can immerse themselves in huge projections, enjoy wonderful images and contribute to the interactive installation.”

Canon Treasurer and chair of Salisbury Cathedral’s Arts Advisory Panel, Kenneth Padley, said: “We are delighted to be working with Luxmuralis once again, and to be premiering this new installation. Christians understand all time - past, present and future - to fall within God’s creative power and redemptive love. Salisbury Cathedral, as a place of worship and cultural destination for more than 800 years, seems the ideal place to explore perspectives on time.

"We look forward to welcoming you as we prepare for the turning of the year in Advent and the joyful new life of Christmas.”

The display runs from 5:30pm each evening with 15-minute timed slots available.

Low sound screenings for the neurodiverse community will be available from 5.30pm-6.30pm on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 November.

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