Salisbury Cathedral marks its 800th anniversary with a mesmerising five-day light display


Salisbury Cathedral marks its 800th anniversary with a mesmerising five-day light display that transports viewers through its history

  • The cathedral has been lit up both inside and out as part of the immersive installation titled Sarum Lights
  • Historic building was first founded on a site at Old Sarum in the 12th century before being relocated in 1226
  • Part of a year-long programme of events designed to celebrate the event Salisbury 2020: City On The Move

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Salisbury Cathedral has kicked off its 800th anniversary celebrations with a mesmerising five-day light display that transports viewers through its history.

The cathedral, which is based in Wiltshire, has been lit up both inside and out as part of the immersive installation titled Sarum Lights that will run until Saturday.

The historic building was first founded on a site at Old Sarum in the 12th century before it was relocated more than three kilometres (two miles) to its current site in 1226, where it quickly became a major centre of ecclesiastical government.  

Sarum Lights has been commissioned by Salisbury Cathedral and produced by Luxmuralis as part of a year-long programme of events designed to celebrate Salisbury 2020: City On The Move. 

Speaking to the Salisbury Journal, the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: ‘We have been looking forward to this for a long time.

‘Here in Salisbury we have the great stories of medieval England. Our predecessors moved the cathedral and built this city around it.’ 

Salisbury Cathedral has marked its 800th anniversary with a mesmerising five-day light display that transports viewers through its history. Pictured: Ushers admire the interior of the cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral has marked its 800th anniversary with a mesmerising five-day light display that transports viewers through its history. Pictured: Ushers admire the interior of the cathedral

The cathedral, which is based in Wiltshire, has been lit up both inside and out as part of the immersive installation titled Sarum Lights. Pictured: The projection on the exterior of the West Front

The cathedral, which is based in Wiltshire, has been lit up both inside and out as part of the immersive installation titled Sarum Lights. Pictured: The projection on the exterior of the West Front

The cathedral, which is based in Wiltshire, has been lit up both inside and out as part of the immersive installation titled Sarum Lights. Pictured: The projection on the exterior of the West Front 

The historic building was first founded on a site at Old Sarum in the 12th century before it was relocated more than three kilometres (two miles) to its current site in 1226. Pictured: The light projection on to the ceiling

The historic building was first founded on a site at Old Sarum in the 12th century before it was relocated more than three kilometres (two miles) to its current site in 1226. Pictured: The light projection on to the ceiling

The historic building was first founded on a site at Old Sarum in the 12th century before it was relocated more than three kilometres (two miles) to its current site in 1226. Pictured: The light projection on to the ceiling

It was quickly established as a major centre of ecclesiastical government after its relocation. Pictured: The exterior of the historic building

It was quickly established as a major centre of ecclesiastical government after its relocation. Pictured: The exterior of the historic building

It was quickly established as a major centre of ecclesiastical government after its relocation. Pictured: The exterior of the historic building

Sarum Lights has been commissioned by Salisbury Cathedral and produced by Luxmuralis as part of a year-long programme of events designed to celebrate Salisbury 2020: City On The Move

Sarum Lights has been commissioned by Salisbury Cathedral and produced by Luxmuralis as part of a year-long programme of events designed to celebrate Salisbury 2020: City On The Move

Sarum Lights has been commissioned by Salisbury Cathedral and produced by Luxmuralis as part of a year-long programme of events designed to celebrate Salisbury 2020: City On The Move

Speaking to the Salisbury Journal, the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: 'We have been looking forward to this for a long time'

Speaking to the Salisbury Journal, the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: 'We have been looking forward to this for a long time'

Speaking to the Salisbury Journal, the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: ‘We have been looking forward to this for a long time’

He added: 'Here in Salisbury we have the great stories of medieval England. Our predecessors moved the cathedral and built this city around it'

He added: 'Here in Salisbury we have the great stories of medieval England. Our predecessors moved the cathedral and built this city around it'

He added: ‘Here in Salisbury we have the great stories of medieval England. Our predecessors moved the cathedral and built this city around it’

The spectacular itself is thought to take about one hour to view in full and thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the site over the five-day period

The spectacular itself is thought to take about one hour to view in full and thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the site over the five-day period

The spectacular itself is thought to take about one hour to view in full and thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the site over the five-day period

The projection on the front of the building (pictured) is on a repetitive loop. Tickets for adults cost £5 and for children cost £4

The projection on the front of the building (pictured) is on a repetitive loop. Tickets for adults cost £5 and for children cost £4

The projection on the front of the building (pictured) is on a repetitive loop. Tickets for adults cost £5 and for children cost £4

Salisbury Cathedral itself commissioned the installation. Pictured: The striking light projections of the date it was founded were reflected boldly in the water

Salisbury Cathedral itself commissioned the installation. Pictured: The striking light projections of the date it was founded were reflected boldly in the water

Salisbury Cathedral itself commissioned the installation. Pictured: The striking light projections of the date it was founded were reflected boldly in the water

The immersive display will last until Saturday. Pictured: Ushers are shrouded in mesmerising patterns of light

The immersive display will last until Saturday. Pictured: Ushers are shrouded in mesmerising patterns of light

The immersive display will last until Saturday. Pictured: Ushers are shrouded in mesmerising patterns of light