Light in the World – lanterns and light shows.

Hundreds of people will gather tonight (Friday) for Winchester Cathedral’s annual lantern parade which this year is all about angels.

Lantern Parade – Winchester Cathedral

The parade from Winchester Cathedral through Winchester and back will culminate with the winning lantern creator helping to switch on the Cathedral lights at the end of the parade.

Peterborough Cathedral has been transformed into a canvas for one of the greatest stories ever told, the birth of Jesus, brought to new audiences through a light and sound show.

The Manger opened inside the cathedral last night, the latest production by Luxmuralis who have brought their unique art works to the city for the last two years.

Paul Stainton, Head of Communications at Peterborough Cathedral said:

“The astounding Luxmuralis light show has become a firm family favourite for people over the last few years, signalling the start of the festive period for many.

“This year we are aiming to provide a completely fresh experience for people, by bringing the whole show inside of the Cathedral for the first time.

“Christmas is a time of joy, wonder and light so we want to share the Christmas story and invite everyone to come along and see the inside of the Cathedral completely transformed by light and sound and to start their Christmas celebrations with us.

The Light Before Christmas: The Manger will illuminate the iconic 99-year-old Liverpool Cathedral from 1 December for the second year running.

The cathedral’s historic architecture will become a backdrop for immersive experience which will again bring the nativity story to life.

Sue Jones, the Dean of Liverpool, said:

“This event was phenomenally popular last year with every ticket being sold, so we are delighted to bring it back. We know how much people wanted to see something similar, so we asked Luxmuralis to return with an elevated festive show.

“The Light Before Christmas: The Manger will offer visitors a different way of engaging with the Nativity story that people enjoy and love. It offers the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to come together and enjoy a festive experience.”

This will be the third time that Liverpool Cathedral has worked with Luxmuralis and Artistic Director Peter Walker said:

“We are delighted to return to Liverpool and present our second Christmas installation in the stunning Cathedral. 

“Liverpool has embraced these light shows with tens of thousands visiting previous work. It is beginning to feel like a tradition for the city to visit the Cathedral in the festive period and for family and friends to visit the Christmas illuminations as part of the start of the holidays.”

The Light Before Christmas: The Manger Liverpool Cathedral 1- 8 December. Tickets must be booked in advance and can be purchased from TicketQuarter here.

Sheffield Cathedral will premiere Starlight a new piece by Luxmuralis which opens there on 5 December.

And this year the cathedral is opening up its forecourt so anyone passing by can watch the projections on the exterior walls  and every night of the lightshow, visitors are invited to join in carol singing next to its 26-foot Christmas tree.

The Very Revd Abi Thompson, Dean of Sheffield said:

“I feel very honoured this city’s Cathedral will be hosting a world first. 

“It’s a beautiful way to celebrate that Jesus Christ is light for all the world. 

Opening up the forecourt so the whole of Sheffield can enjoy the sounds and sights of this year’s spectacular light show is our gift to the city and I hope as many people as possible join us for this and throughout Advent and Christmas as we share together in a variety of services filled with joy, wonder and light in this ancient place of worship.”  

Sheffield Cathedral Illuminated: Starlight opens at 5.30pm on Tuesday 5 December and runs for five nights through to Saturday 9 December.

For tickets go to the Cathedral website (shefffieldcathedral.org) or visit the Cathedral Gift Shop.

And later in December, Lichfield Cathedral will bring its annual light show to visitors, created by animation team Illuminos, this year the show is based on the popular carol, In The Bleak Midwinter.

There will be audio-visual displays on the Bishop’s Palace and West Front and the festive experience will continue inside the Cathedral alongside the Christmas Tree Festival.

Jan McFarlane, Interim Dean of Lichfield said:

“When the team at Illuminos came to us with their concept for 2023 we were blown away. 

“In the Bleak Midwinter’ is such a recognised and well-loved carol, so with the haunting tune and beautiful lyrics as the backdrop, they will weave in the journey of a fox to the manger…There is something profound in the Christ Child accepting the offerings of those who are treated with suspicion by others.”

 The Christmas Light Show runs 16- 22 December. Tickets are available on the Cathedral’s website now.

Photo credit – Luxmuralis, Peter Walker