THE beauty of the world and universe is currently being explored at Salisbury Cathedral, with a light and music spectacular.

‘Sarum Lights: Heaven and Earth’ takes spectators on a special journey across the Earth and galaxies through immersive scenes and sound, celebrating our planet’s beauty and space, but acknowledging the threats it faces.

Created by artist Peter Walker and composer David Harper, of Luxmuralis, the production ties in with the final few days of the UN Climate Summit, COP26, in its narrative of exploring both the wonders and fragility of Earth.

“Outside and inside of the cathedral, this will be taking you on a journey to the edge of the universe, which isn’t bad in one night,” Peter told the Journal.

Describing Earth as “a little blue dot”, Peter said the light and sound spectacle would “put into context the beauty and fragility around us, despite just being that little blue dot”.

Talking about the nod to COP26, Peter said: “As artists we are always using these subjects and looking at the world around us, and how we experience it.

“This was an important subject for us to explore and it fits in at the moment and makes us consider who we are in this.”

Animals, patterns and nature are just some of the visuals lighting up the cathedral walls, alongside a four-metre rocket sculpture in the South Transept.

Visitors will also be encouraged to take part in the interactive ‘Butterfly Project’, pledging how they will do their bit in protecting and improving the world.

Writing on a butterfly-shaped piece of paper, this promise will then be added to an installation suspended in the North Transept.

Reflecting on the last Sarum Lights production in 2020, Peter said: “We had a great experience here last time, the visitors are fantastic as are the cathedral team.

“We feel welcome here in the community and we just want to offer this large immersive experience, and give people that time to experience themselves in the world and consider the important questions.”

Dean of Salisbury Nicholas Papadopulos said: “Those who come will see the cathedral as they have never seen it, bathed in images and surrounded by sound, going on an extraordinary journey to the ends of the universe and seeing the threat that our humanity faces.

“This makes you want to take hold of the little things in caring for this beautiful Earth that is our home, seeing images of Earth and wildlife in all its glory.

"It takes you on that journey of how life fills the Earth and it’s important to see that played out in a place which itself stands testament of that.”

When asked about the importance of the cathedral addressing current issues and topics, including COP26, the Dean said: “Greta Thunberg said if we want to get around the climate crisis we have to use cathedral thinking.

“If you think about that, there couldn’t be a better place to come to witness all the beauty of what we have and our responsibility and care for it.”

Sarum Lights runs until Saturday, November 13, for tickets visit salisburycathedral.org.uk

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