Gaia at Ely Cathedral

Visitors to Ely Cathedral are being invited to step back in time and to explore heaven and earth in a new programme of events which include artist Luke Jerram’s huge installation of planet Earth suspended from the nave.

Gaia to arrive at Ely Cathedral this Summer

Ely Cathedral has just unveiled its summer programme which includes a chance to travel back in time to the Victorian era this month, and wonder at Gaia, the seven metre replica of Earth, which will go on show in July.

Gaia is part of Heaven & Earth – The World in our Hands themed programme which aims to address some of the issues affecting the world, with lectures and Ely’s first ever ‘Green Fair’.

Ely has just restarted its tour programme and in the first two weeks of re-opening has welcomed over 4,500 visitors.

Sally Porter, Visitor Experience Manager said:

“The weather may not have been very welcoming to start with but we have been really encouraged by the steady flow of  visitors. It is not our usual intake for this time of year but these are not usual times.  We completely understand the public’s concerns around  Covid-19 and have worked hard to create a safe and welcoming space.  We are lucky the building is so specious and naturally generates such a calm and spiritual environment.  Last week we were also able to restart the ever popular guided Tower Tours alongside some other exciting new specialist tour packages”. 

The first of these specialist tours is The Victorian Cathedral on June 11. This tour will transport visitors back to 1871, the height of the Victorian restoration of Ely Cathedral, and will bring to life the personalities of those involved, including the Dean, the clergy, architects, painters and metal workers, all of who helped create the Cathedral as it is recognised today.

Like all our cathedrals, Ely has been awarded  Good To Go status which is Visit Britain’s industry standard and means they have taken all the necessary steps to help ensure people’s safety in line with latest Government and Public Health guidance. It is a signal to anyone wishing to visit that they can be confident that every opportunity possible is taken to ensure visitors’ wellbeing.

Further information and booking details about all the Specialist Tours, Tower Tours and the Monastic Tours with Tea is available on the website.

Tickets for all events and activities taking place at Ely Cathedral plus visitor entry, must be booked online, in advance from the Cathedral website www.elycathedral.org.

Photo credits – James Billings and Timothy Selvage