Hereford Cathedral are celebrating after an out of this world week which saw over seven thousand people visit the cathedral to view Space by Luxmuralis.

The cathedral’s first sound and light installation proved to be a huge hit with tickets completely selling out before opening night. Space, which ran from Wednesday 16 – Saturday 19 October, invited visitors to experience the cathedral in a whole new way with a series of space themed light and sound installations projected inside the building onto the stunning architecture.

The thought-provoking show was created by award-winning artistic collaboration Luxmuralis, made up of Peter Walker (sculptor) and David Harper (composer), and featured the creation story and the Big Bang as well as a view of Earth as if looking back from space under a galaxy of stars.

The Very Revd Sarah Brown, Dean of Hereford, said: “It has been incredible to welcome new visitors to the cathedral to witness Space - some of whom had travelled very long distances indeed through some very wet weather. To see small children dancing amongst the stars in the nave, old timers like me reliving the moon-landing and joining the dots between the biblical and scientific accounts of creation and a general sense of wonder expressed in quiet fascination by over 7000 people of all ages, this week has been a joy and a privilege. I’m wondering when we can have another one!”

Jess Stallwood, Events Manager at Hereford Cathedral, said: “A project like this is always a team effort and I would like to say a huge thank you to our staff and volunteers for all the work they put in to make Space such a success. We were also so pleased to have such amazing support from the local businesses who sponsored and supported the event in various different ways. It’s been a fantastic experience for all involved!”

Peter Walker, Luxmuralis, said: “We were delighted to be invited to create our work in Hereford Cathedral, one of the most beautiful places in the country. What brought us more joy was the way in which the city embraced the installation, and seeing thousands walk through the building immersed in light and sound, many visiting for the first time. Art is an essential part of our culture and central to expressing and discussing major event subject and emotions. The cathedral's partnership in this and bringing contemporary art to the city, and continued placement of the art in the life of the building is testament to a vision for providing the very best of modern culture for those who visit.”

Space received £15000 from the UK Government, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as well as sponsorship from The Wye Clinic, The Beefy Boys, C J Bayliss, ETL Systems, John Finch Computers Ltd. A K Industries and Gabbs Solicitors. The project was also supported by Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, Green Dragon Hotel, Sunshine Radio and Your Herefordshire.

We would also like to thank Clear Washrooms, Clear Storage, Mercia Radio Telephones and Balfour Beatty Living Places (Hereford South) for all of their operational support during the week.

Image Credit: Space by Luxmuralis at Hereford Cathedral // Caroline Potter 

Space is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.