Carlisle – Rest Under the Stars

Visitors are invited to Rest Under The Stars at Carlisle Cathedral this summer when it launches a major immersive art installation, a key feature of its 900th anniversary celebrations.

Rest under the Stars at Carlisle Cathedral.

Rest Under the Stars will see visitors relaxing on deckchairs admiring the stars on its world-famous painted ceiling listening to specially-created soundscapes.

The Cathedral has partnered with Carlisle-based charity Prism Arts to create the installation, which opens to visitors on Thursday 28 July 28 and runs until Friday 2 September.

The event is free to visitors, with tickets for the 45-minute slots available to pre-book in advance or as walk-ins on the day.

The Revd Canon Dr Benjamin Carter, Canon Warden at Carlisle Cathedral, said:

“Rest Under the Stars offers people an opportunity to find rest among the busyness of daily life, which is something the Cathedral has offered to Carlisle and its diocese throughout its history.

“Prism Arts have perfectly captured the Cathedral’s unique atmosphere and sense of history through this amazing project.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Cathedral to experience Rest Under Under the Stars and join us in celebrating our special anniversary year.”

Prism Arts has been working on the Rest Under the Stars project for several months, with artists spending time in the Cathedral every week to provide inspiration for the installation.

The artists have created a mixed media work including textile art which has been used to upholster the deckchairs and beanbags on which visitors will sit to gaze at the stars. They have also worked with sound artist Tim Shaw on the soundscapes which form part of the immersive experience.

More Summer Cathedral events here.

Katie Lock, Visual Arts Lead at Prism Arts, said:

“Carlisle Cathedral has special significance to the city and the wider region, and to be able to reflect its role as a place where people have found sanctuary and rest over the centuries through this project is a real honour.

“We’re really excited to be helping transform part of the Cathedral into a unique place of rest and relaxation for visitors this summer and we can’t wait to see the public’s reaction to it when it opens.”

Rest Under the Stars is open from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday from July 28 to September 2. Tickets are free but booking is advisable and can be booked in advance via the Cathedral’s website or if  available on the day.

Rest Under the Stars is a highlight of Carlisle Cathedral’s 900th anniversary programme of worship, events, talks, concerts and exhibitions all themed around Journey and Rest to reflect the Cathedral’s role as a place of rest in the restless history of Carlisle and the Border region.

Carlisle Cathedral was founded by King Henry I as an Augustinian Priory in 1122 and became the Cathedral Church of the newly created Diocese of Carlisle in 1133.

The painted gold stars on the blue ceiling of the Cathedral date from the 19th century, and have become a world-renowned feature.

Rest Under the Stars is sponsored by Dodd & Co Chartered Accountants

To pre-book tickets for Rest Under the Stars visit https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/tickets/