EXCITEMENT BUILDS AS CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL PREPARES TO DAZZLE THOUSANDS THIS HALF TERM

With less than two weeks to go, excitement is building for the Sussex debut of Illuminating Art, a spectacular new Light Experience that will transform Chichester Cathedral through light, colour and music from 23 to 31 October 2026.

More than 3,000 tickets have already been sold, as families, couples and groups of friends make plans to experience the Cathedral in an extraordinary new way this October half term. With bookings gathering pace as opening night approaches, organisers are encouraging visitors to secure their preferred date and time across the nine-day event, with sessions running from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

And it's not just local families looking forward to the spectacle. The Light Experience is attracting visitors from across Sussex, Hampshire and much further afield, with people planning trips to Chichester from across the UK to enjoy this year's spectacular new production.

Created by internationally acclaimed artistic collaboration Luxmuralis, the creative partnership of artist Peter Walker and composer David Harper, Illuminating Art is a completely new immersive production, taking visitors of all ages on a journey through four centuries of artistic creativity.

From paintings and portraits to the invention of photography and the first moving images, art will come to life on a monumental scale as the Cathedrals ancient walls become a breathtaking canvas of moving images, colour and light, accompanied by an original musical score.

Rebecca Lewry-Gray, Visitor Experience Manager at Chichester Cathedral, said:

"There's a real sense of excitement building as we get closer to opening night. It's lovely to think that people are planning journeys from across the country to experience the Cathedral transformed through light and music, while local families are looking forward to having something so special happening right on their doorstep.

"We're particularly excited to welcome people back for a second year, alongside those discovering the Light Experience for the first time. Illuminating Art is an entirely new production, so there's something different for everyone to enjoy.

"The Cathedral is a place that brings people together in so many different ways, and we hope the Light Experience will become one of those autumn traditions that families and friends look forward to sharing year after year."

MAKE AN EVENING OF IT

With sessions running throughout the early evening, visitors can make the most of their trip with an early supper, drinks or a hot chocolate in Chichester before stepping inside the Cathedral to experience one of the city's most familiar and treasured landmarks transformed beyond recognition.

The Light Experience also provides a spectacular conclusion to the Cathedral's year of artistic celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of John Piper's iconic High Altar Tapestry, which has included a year-long exhibition, specialist art tours and its vibrant Summer of Colour programme.

As one of Chichester Cathedral's principal fundraising events, the Light Experience raises vital funds to support the care, conservation and ongoing life of the Cathedral, helping to ensure that this remarkable building continues to inspire and welcome future generations.

Chichester Cathedral Light Experience: Illuminating Art runs from 23 to 31 October 2026.

Tickets are available at ChichesterCathedral.org.uk or by calling 0333 666 3366.