Portsmouth – The Wild Cathedral

Portsmouth Cathedral has gone “wild” bringing the outside in this summer and inviting visitors to use all their senses to experience a cathedral transformed.

The Wild Cathedral opened last week with opportunities for visitors to touch, smell, taste and hear the garden as it grows in a unique sensory experience that has created a living garden in the nooks and crannies of Portsmouth’s ‘Cathedral of the Sea’.

Hundreds of people of all ages are enjoying exploring The Wild Cathedral at Portsmouth.

Supported by the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Neighbourhood Grant from Portsmouth City Council, The Wild Cathedral runs until 2 September and is accessible to all, with wheelchair accessibility throughout and plants at all levels allowing everyone to participate.

The Dean of Portsmouth, The Very Revd Dr Anthony Cane said:

“I am excited to be bringing the outside inside the Cathedral in such an unusual way.

“The Wild Cathedral has its roots in much of the other work we do throughout the year, in being an open and accessible space, as well as our ongoing work to reduce our carbon footprint and engage our community in climate action. Portsmouth Cathedral is a wonderful place to visit throughout the year, and we welcome all to see our wild side this summer!’

 

In addition to daily opening, on Friday, 26 August and 2 September the Cathedral will be hosting Late Nights at The Wild Cathedral giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy a drink and explore the garden after dark.

With light, soundscapes, and projections, visitors can discover the Cathedral and its sensory garden in a whole new light – thanks to a collaboration with folk artist Katie Spencer who has created special soundscapes.

Portsmouth Cathedral will also be working with local yoga practitioner Kat Waters, to offer Saturday morning yoga sessions in the cathedral.

Events Manager, Jemima Crayden, said:

“This is the first of many new events and projects we have in the pipeline over the coming months and years, with the hope it will bring more people through the doors to experience our wonderful cathedral.

“This project and so many others at the Cathedral, would not have been possible without the support of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Grant, and the ongoing support of our volunteers and the local community have been working to help us supply and care for plants in the run-up to the event, with some very unusual species to look after!”

The Wild Cathedral will be open daily from 16 August to 3 September.

Find out more, book a ticket for the Late Night events or yoga sessions.