Let There Be Light! Sarum Lights Shine Bright at Salisbury Cathedral

From first steps to epic voyages of discovery, this year's Sarum Lights invites visitors to explore the world in a completely different light.

One of Salisbury's most spectacular annual events has returned, as Salisbury Cathedral prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for the latest instalment of Sarum Lights.

Running from 3rd - 7th November, this year's immersive light and sound experience, Great Journeys, promises to transform the city's iconic landmark into a mesmerising celebration of exploration, movement and human connection.

Created by sculptor Peter Walker and composer David Harper who jointly form Luxmuralis - the artistic collaboration behind the production - the show takes visitors on a journey through some of the world's greatest stories of travel and discovery. From the earliest movements of humanity to animal migrations and the evolution of modern transport, the experience explores the many different ways journeys have shaped our world.

And it's not just the stories themselves that make this experience special. Through spectacular projections, atmospheric soundscapes and carefully crafted lighting, the Cathedral's world-famous architecture becomes part of the show, creating an entirely different perspective of a building that many of us know so well.

But beyond the grand voyages and remarkable discoveries, Great Journeys also encourages visitors to reflect on something a little closer to home: the journeys we each make throughout our own lives, and the people and places that connect us along the way.

Cassie Dalby, Communications & PR Officer at Salisbury Cathedral said on this year’s installation: “the theme this year definitely has shifted, which brings with it a different energy which is really nice to see. Luxmuralis always bring such wonderful ideas to life and it’s just gorgeous to witness and be part of. It really is mesmerising”.

The premiere of Luxmuralis' new light show Sarum Lights: Great Journeys at Salisbury Cathedral. Image by Sam Alford/Salisbury Radio/Luxmuralis. 

Peter Walker, Artistic Director of Luxmuralis, said: “Each year, David and I develop a new concept, working closely with our technical team to bring it to life. Having previously explored themes such as space, time and lost worlds, we wanted this year's installation to be something more personal.

“The idea was to explore the journeys humanity has taken throughout history, alongside the individual journeys we all experience. It felt particularly fitting for the Cathedral. The artwork begins outside, exploring major discoveries and how our understanding of the world has evolved.

“A huge amount of research goes into each installation, drawing on historical material and experimenting with different visuals, colours and sound. This year's soundtrack is particularly distinctive, with a cinematic feel and an energetic, dance-inspired edge.”

Reverend Kenneth Padley, Canon Chancellor of the Cathedral hopes this experience will bring more people in. “It’s a really great way of celebrating the cathedral in a different way…reaching out to new people. We know people come from across the city, the two local counties from the diocese - Wiltshire and Dorset, and further afield too. This year’s theme is really not far from what we’re about, and this time of year is obviously an ideal time to do it, both in terms of the darkness outside, but also as an entrée to December in the run up to advent, and then into Christmas. We know that people come back, which is another reason why we do it. And it's also part of our offering to the city, because people who come here may go out for a meal first, or will perhaps go and do some late night shopping. It’s a benefit to the wider life of Salisbury.”

The interior of the Cathedral, spectacularly lit up as part of Luxmuralis' Sarum Lights: Great Journeys. Image by Sam Alford/Salisbury Radio/Luxmuralis. 

Now in its seventh year, Sarum Lights has become a much-loved fixture in Salisbury's events calendar, attracting visitors from across the South of England and beyond. This years event is anticipated to welcome more than 12,000 people to the Cathedral.

Whether you're a regular visitor or experiencing Sarum Lights for the first time, it's an opportunity to see Salisbury Cathedral in a completely different way, combining history, creativity and technology in a truly memorable setting.

Sarum Lights: Great Journeys runs until Saturday 7 November, with timed entry slots available every 15 minutes from 5.30pm. Tickets start at £10 for adults and £6 for children, with refreshments and the Cathedral Gift Shop also open throughout the event.

For tickets and further information, visit the Salisbury Cathedral website.