Ely Cathedral will illuminate the night sky with beams of light as a symbol of hope for all those around them as part of a nationwide art installation for All Saints and All Souls Days.
Ely is one of several UK Cathedrals and national buildings who will be projecting beams of light into the night sky through the evening of November 1st and 2nd. The project, Light of Hope 2020 has been created by Peter Walker, the artist in residence and creative director at Lichfield Cathedral to mark the significance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day – two important days in the Christian calendar and which have particular relevance this year in the wake of the pandemic.
All Saints Day on November 1st traditionally celebrates saints throughout the ages who have been a beacon of light to others and offers us an opportunity to reflect on how we might be a light in the world today. All Souls Day (November 2nd) is a time to remember and give thanks for those who have died and remember their lives with love.
Peter first produced this digital art installation for Lichfield Cathedral in 2018 and 2019 when three beams of blue light pierced the skies above the Cathedral and could be seen for miles around. He wanted other churches and cathedrals to join in and become beacons for all around them, offering a collective moment for people to be part of, but from a safe distance.
Said Peter: “Light of Hope is an opportunity for a moment of togetherness; even though we can’t be together right now. It offers us the opportunity to collectively remember those who have helped and given so much during this past year, as well as commemorating those we have lost and thinking of those we hold dear.”
The Dean of Ely, the Very Revd Mark Bonney, said: “We felt it was important to participate in this project and to show that the Cathedral is here as symbol of both Light & Hope for everyone during these difficult times.”
The Light of Hope project is supported by The Arts Council England and includes an arts engagement project for schoolchildren to join in and create their own “light of hope” artwork.
Watch out in the night skies to see Ely Cathedral light up as a beacon of hope from dusk until 10pm Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd November. If anyone is interested in sponsoring this initiative please see the website (www.elycathedral.org) or contact Hannah Wilcox – h.wilcox@elycathedral.org
Press release from Ely Cathedral
You must be logged in to post a comment.