What to Expect at The Cathedral Illuminated
It’s less than a week away until the start of our annual The Cathedral Illuminated event. If you’ve never been to one before or need a little reminder, we thought we’d give you a run-down of what to expect…
The Cathedral Illuminated is a spectacular light and sound show outside and inside Lichfield Cathedral.
On Arrival
When you arrive at the Cathedral Close (via Dam Street) our super helpful stewards will ask which time slot you are booked on for and direct you the right queue. At this point, if you’ve arrived early, you have the opportunity to pop into Chapters Coffee Shop for a hot drink and snack. You can then wait for your ticketed time and soak up the atmosphere with your family and friends.
The Palace
Back by popular demand this year is the light and sound show on The Palace. Stewards will call you forward at the allotted time and you will make your way up the slight incline behind the Cathedral to The Palace (Lichfield Cathedral School). Make sure you’ve got a good view and the first show will start imminently on the front of The Palace. This year the light show will be full of festive delights to get you in the Christmas mood.
The Cathedral Front
Once the show on The Palace has finished, you’ll be guided towards the front of the Cathedral via the top of The Cathedral Close. There will be another opportunity to warm up with hot drink or some food and wait for the next show to start. When the stewards direct you can make your way to a good viewpoint for the front of the Cathedral and there will a countdown for the start of the show. The Cathedral Illuminated 2019: The Beginning will start, showing the nativity story projected on the front of the Cathedral.
Inside the Cathedral
At the end of the show on the front of The Cathedral you will be shown to the open door into the Cathedral where the light spectacular continues…
Notre-Dame Tribute
This year the Nave of the Cathedral will be filled with our tribute to the beautiful Rose windows of Notre-Dame, Paris. Be immersed in the light of the stunning windows that so famously survived the devastating fire in Paris in April 2019.
In the Image & Likeness: A Constellation of Images
The Advent art installation by Artist-in-Residence, Peter Walker is a stunning display of hundreds of self-portraits suspended from the ceiling, directly underneath the Great Spire. You will have an opportunity to experience the artwork illuminated and to draw and take home your own self-portrait for your Christmas tree.
Christmas Tree Festival
No visit to Lichfield Cathedral at Christmas would be complete without a trip through the 55 decorated Christmas trees. Which one will be your favourite?
The Nativity Story
Halfway through the Christmas Tree Festival in the Lady Chapel you have the opportunity to linger and hear The Nativity Story being read out loud. In the hustle and bustle of the event this is good opportunity to take a moment and soak up the occasion. There will also be space for you to say a prayer, light a candle and contemplate the wonder of Christmas.
Exit Through the Shop
As with each year our Gift Shop will be open for you to browse the stunning collection of products, including unique Christmas decorations and gift ideas. Our Coffee Shop will also be open for you to pop in before you head home.
Advice:
· Dress for the weather, a large proportion of the event is outside so dress warmly and bring an umbrella
· Refreshments will be available from the Coffee Shop (on the corner of Dam Street) and in the top corner of the Cathedral Close (just before the illumination on the front of the Cathedral)
· We’ve listened to feedback from last year and reduced the numbers per slot.
· Take your time, once you’re in the Cathedral don’t feel that you need to follow the crowd if you want to linger. There are bound to be places where people ‘bunch up’ a little, usually the entrance to the Christmas Tree Festival, but there is lots to see and interact with along the way.
· Bringing a buggy? There is a buggy park located in College Hall (ask a steward if you’re unsure where to go)