Liverpool Cathedral shines bright as Helios gets set to wow this Spring

Liverpool Cathedral is set to make history as the first venue in North West England—and the first cathedral—to host Helios, the latest touring masterpiece by renowned British artist Luke Jerram.

Helios a breathtaking illuminated sculpture of the Sun will be on display from Friday 4 April to Friday 9 May 2025.

Measuring an impressive seven meters in diameter, Helios offers an extraordinary view of the Sun, providing visitors a detailed look at its surface.

With imagery at a scale of 1:200 million, every centimetre of the artwork represents 2000km of the Sun’s surface. The internally lit sculpture highlights sunspots, spicules, filaments, and even the origins of solar flares that recently brought the Northern Lights to the UK.

Visitors will also be immersed in a specially commissioned surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, featuring fire sounds, NASA solar mission recordings, summer beaches, and uplifting ambient music, connecting audiences with the Sun’s role in life, health, and culture.

Liverpool Cathedral is no stranger to hosting Luke Jerram’s extraordinary works. In 2018, Museum of the Moon drew in an impressive62,000 visitors, while Gaia captivated over 200,000 people in 2019, cementing the Cathedral’s reputation as a hub for awe inspiring experiences. The arrival of Helios will make Liverpool Cathedral the first venue in the world to display all three celestial artworks. 

The artwork will briefly be removed on the evening of Thursday 17 April to accommodate Easter services, before returning on Easter Sunday, in time for the sunrise service at 05.30, to continue dazzling visitors until Friday 9 May.

Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, said: 

“We are thrilled to be the first cathedral to host Helios as we continue working closely with Luke Jerram on this wonderful lineup of celestial installations.

“Helios is a stunning celebration of the Sun’s life-giving power and its significance across cultures and faiths. It’s a privilege to bring such an awe-inspiring installation to our community and visitors, reaffirming our place at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural life.

“We are delighted that Helios will be installed over the Easter period which helps us to reflect on light and the life giving light of the resurrection which brings new life. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience this breathtaking artwork in our magnificent space.”

Co-commissioned by Liverpool Cathedral alongside National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Old Royal Naval College and University College London, Helios marks a milestone in cultural and artistic innovation.

Its debut in Liverpool Cathedral as an indoor installation underscores the city’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse and Liverpool Cathedral’s commitment to leading the way in art and culture.

It will be the first time that the intricate surface detail of the Sun will be seen by many people and even features the source of the solar flares which caused the Northern lights to be visible from the UK in May 2024.

Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice has captivated audiences worldwide. Elected as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2019, Jerram is known for merging art and science to inspire awe, wonder, and dialogue.

Luke Jerram said:

“The importance of the Sun for all life on planet Earth cannot be understated. It has fascinated scientists, inspired musicians, poets and artists, in societies right across the world.

“Helios not only offers an up-close view of our most vital celestial body but also sparks conversations about the environment, mental health, and the unifying power of the Sun across cultures.

“As a focal point for community and culture in the city and venue of national importance, I am delighted that Liverpool Cathedral will be one of the first venues to present Helios. My ‘Museum of the Moon’ and ‘Gaia’ artworks were incredibly popular when they were presented at the cathedral, and I hope that Helios provides an equally uplifting experience for visitors.”

For more info on Helios at Liverpool Cathedral click here.

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