‘Lights Out’ opens in Gloucester Cathedral

Gloucester Cathedral is hosting a new sound and light installation created by young people in response to the sculpture, Knife Angel, the National Monument for Serious Violence and Aggression, which went on display on the Cathedral Green this week.

‘Lights Out’ opens in Gloucester Cathedral – a response by young people to the arrival of the Knife Angel sculpture.

Gloucestershire-based charity, The Music Works, has been working with young people from the local community to create powerful new audio content. This has been followed by a collaboration with artists at Squidsoup, pioneers in the use of light, sound and technology to create immersive installations, whose work has been seen by millions around the world.

The result is ‘Lights Out’, featuring the voices and sounds of local young people interested in social change, whose lives have been affected by the issues raised by the Knife Angel sculpture.

Lyndsay Davies, Youth and Community Director at The Music Works, said:

“The collaboration has been an excellent opportunity for a group of young people, who didn’t know each other a couple of months ago, to develop their passion for making music whilst exploring important issues that impact their lives in powerful and challenging ways.

We’re really excited to be working with Squidsoup, as it gives the young people an opportunity to have their voices and creative ideas occupy a new space in such an exciting and immersive way.”

One of the young producers who has been working on the project added:

“I think this event is going to help change the perception of how young people are seen locally, showcasing our talent and really showing what we can do.”

The Revd Dr Rebecca Lloyd, Canon Chancellor and Director of Learning and Participation at Gloucester Cathedral, said:

“We are delighted to be welcoming The Music Works and Squidsoup to Gloucester Cathedral for this very special exhibition. It will give visitors the chance to stop, to see something of the world through the eyes of the young people involved, and to reflect, pray and recommit to doing everything we can to put an end to violent crime.”

Gloucester Cathedral has set up The Knife Angel Legacy Fund, which will ensure the vital work to raise awareness around violent crime continues. All funds raised through the Legacy Fund will be used to support affected communities in Gloucestershire, with an aim to increase education around, and prevent, violent crime.

Donations can be made through the cathedral website.

The Knife Angel went on display in Cathedral Green this week.

 Lights Out is on display in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral until 27 Feb. All are welcome to come and explore the installation, with no tickets required.