Portsmouth Cathedral joins Cathedrals across the UK to light up the sky.
Cathedrals will illuminate the night sky with beams of light as a symbol of hope for all those around them as part of a nationwide art installation for All Saints and All Souls Days during this pandemic year. ‘Light of Hope’ will be taking place at cathedrals across the UK and here in Portsmouth, this Sunday, 1st November.
Chelmsford, Ely, Exeter, Salisbury, Lichfield and Liverpool Cathedrals are planning on projecting beams of light into the night sky through the evening of November 1, while Ely and Lichfield will also create Cross, a light installation in the shape of a cross inside their buildings.
Portsmouth Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Sea is no stranger to being a beacon of light. Aside from its ecclesiastical function as a bell tower, the chapel tower also previously served a practical purpose as a lighthouse and a lookout point for ships in the channel. Portsmouth Cathedral is so pleased to be part of the project, which hopes to bring a beam of hope to all as we head further into the Winter months and Advent. Our All Souls’ service will also be taking place on the evening of ‘Light of Hope’, giving an opportunity for us to remember those we have lost, the service will be streamed on our Facebook page.
The project, Light of Hope 2020 has been created by Peter Walker, the artist in residence and creative director at Lichfield Cathedral to mark the significance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day - two important days in the Christian calendar which have particular relevance this year in the wake of the pandemic. All Saints Day on November 1 traditionally celebrates saints throughout the ages who have been a beacon of light to others and offers us an opportunity to reflect on how we might be a light in the world today. All Souls Day (November 2) is a time to remember and give thanks for those who have died and remember their lives with love.
Peter first produced this digital art installation for Lichfield Cathedral in 2018 and 2019 when three beams of blue light pierced the skies above the Cathedral and could be seen for miles around. He wanted other churches and cathedrals to join in and become beacons for all around them, offering a collective moment for people to be part of, but from a safe distance.
Said Peter: “Light of Hope is an opportunity for a moment of togetherness; even though we can’t be together right now.
“It offers us the opportunity to collectively remember those who have helped and given so much during this past year, as well as commemorating those we have lost and thinking of those we hold dear.”
The Dean of Lichfield, the Very Revd Adrian Dorber, said: “As the church works to bring consolation and hope in these uncertain times, we believe Light of Hope will be a dramatic and meaningful symbol of the light of Christ in a dark world. “
The Light of Hope project is supported by The Arts Council England and includes an arts engagement project for schoolchildren to join in and create their own “light of hope” artwork.
Come see Portsmouth Cathedral light up as a beacon of hope from dusk until late this Sunday, 1st November.
