CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL TO CULMINATE YEAR OF ARTISTIC CELEBRATION WITH SPECTACULAR LIGHT EXPERIENCE

Following a year celebrating colour, creativity and the 60th anniversary of John Piper's iconic High Altar Tapestry, Chichester Cathedral will culminate its artistic celebrations this autumn with Illuminating Art, the spectacular new Chichester Cathedral Light Experience by internationally acclaimed artistic collaboration Luxmuralis.

Running from 23 to 31 October 2026, the immersive experience by artist Peter Walker and composer David Harper transforms the Cathedral through breathtaking projection, light and music. Inspired by four centuries of artistic expression, Illuminating Art explores everything from the Baroque and Impressionist movements to the arrival of photography, the age of steam and the birth of animation, bringing artistic ideas vividly to life within the Cathedral's remarkable 950-year-old architecture.

Making its Sussex debut, Illuminating Art arrives during the 60th anniversary of artist and print-maker John Piper's well-known High Altar Tapestry. The milestone has been celebrated through a year-long programme including an immersive exhibition, specialist art tours and family activities.

The Light Experience theme also coincides with a remarkable year for Chichester's wider artistic community. Pallant House Gallery is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its award-winning Gallery extension, reinforcing its reputation as one of the UK's leading galleries of Modern British Art. Meanwhile, Oxmarket Contemporary marks its 50th anniversary, continuing its long-standing commitment to showcasing an ever-changing programme of exhibitions by both emerging talent and established local and regional artists.

Together, these anniversaries highlight Chichester's unique position as one of the South Coast's most vibrant cultural destinations, where world-renowned collections, contemporary creativity and historic architecture sit side by side.

Visitors are encouraged to spend the day exploring Chichester's rich cultural offer, from its galleries, museum, exhibitions and independent creative businesses to its historic streets, before experiencing the Cathedral transformed after dark.

Rebecca Lewry-Grey, Visitor Experience Manager at Chichester Cathedral, said:

"This year's Illuminating Art theme feels especially fitting as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of John Piper's magnificent High Altar Tapestry. After a year of inviting visitors to discover the story of colour and creativity behind the tapestry, we're delighted to conclude those celebrations with an experience that transforms the Cathedral through light, music and art. We hope visitors will enjoy everything Chichester's cultural community has to offer before joining us for an unforgettable evening."

Peter Walker, artist and co-founder of Luxmuralis, said:

"Every cathedral offers a unique architectural canvas, and Illuminating Art has been created to respond to the history, atmosphere and character of the space. By exploring great artistic movements through light, sound and projection, we hope audiences will experience both the artwork featured and the architecture of the cathedral in a completely new way."

As one of Chichester Cathedral's principal fundraising events, the Chichester Cathedral Light Experience raises vital funds to support the care, conservation and ongoing life of the Cathedral.

The Chichester Cathedral Light Experience by Luxmuralis runs from 23 13 October. Tickets start from £13.00 per adult and £8.00 per child with concessions for students and families.

To book, visit ChichesterCathedral.org.uk or call 0333 666 3366.