This is why you need to see the Earth at Liverpool Cathedral

A 23ft wide replica of earth has arrived at Liverpool Cathedral and it’s guaranteed to take your breath away. Watch as we unveil Gaia above and see our chat with Culture Liverpool boss, Claire McGolgan below.

British artist Luke Jerram makes a welcome return to the city with a brand new art installation. Part of the wider River Festival Liverpool celebrations, ‘Gaia’ a 7m wide replica of earth, created using detailed NASA imagery, will be suspended for all to see at Liverpool Cathedral from Saturday 25th May.

Following on from the hugely successful ‘Museum of the Moon’ art installation that knocked our socks off last year, ‘Gaia’ which means the personification in Greek Mythology, will also rotate, giving viewers a jaw-dropping experience. The earth will be accompanied by a soundtrack created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.

For those who visited The Museum of the Moon last year, you’ll remember seeing visitors of all ages sitting and even laying down under the moon as it hung above the well at the cathedral. It’s a truly magical sight and proved to be a big hit as more than 60,000 visitors flocked to the cathedral to see if for themselves.

Not content with capturing the imagination of our city, in 2018 alone, Gaia artist Luke Jerram had 73 exhibitions in 21 countries! His work combines science, art and play and has included giant water slides, pianos, hot air balloons and a talking engagement ring!

Luke said:“ I hope visitors to the Earth in Liverpool get to see our planet as if from space, as a floating fragile ball of life, an incredibly beautiful and precious ecosystem. A place we urgently need to look after – our only home.”

On Sunday 2nd June, Britain’s first astronaut, Helen Sharman CMG OBE, take part in a special ‘in conversation with’ event. Helen will talk about her experience of space travel and the intense preparation that went in to her launching into the history books in May 1991. The following day, Helen will take part in a private event for school children. This event also forms part of Liverpool’s RISE programme which celebrates extraordinary women.

The earth will be in place for four weeks, until Sunday 23rd June and a programme of FREE events and talks will take place under the installation.

Here’s 8 reasons why you should see the earth at Liverpool Cathedral….

1 – For Everyone

Visitors of all ages are invited to see the earth. Created with detailed NASA imagery, the 23ft wide suspended replica shows us what our planet looks like from space. Bring the kids, your mum and dad, your grandparents and see this spectacle.

2 – It’s Free

There’s no charge to enter Liverpool Cathedral and you’re guaranteed a warm welcome from the staff and volunteers whatever time you visit. If you can, drop a donation in the box to help keep our beautiful landmark free and accessible to all.

Gaia at the Natural History Museum London by Luke Jerram

3 – Under the Earth

There’s a whole programme of events taking place under the earth in the coming weeks. These include interactive storytelling for youngsters, a piano recital by award-winning pianist William Bracken, poetry readings, performances by the Liverpool String Quartet, songwriter and singer Lizzie Nunnery will present new material inspired by Gaia, unique play sessions for children and their parents or carers will take place as well as a relaxing yoga session.

4 – Luke Jerram

Gaia artist Luke Jerram returns to the city with 100% success rate for making up stop and stare. The Museum of the Moon drew thousands to the Cathedral last year. We don’t know if its the sheer size, setting, soundtrack or combination of al three that knocks our socks off, but you’d be daft to miss out on this chance to experience his work in action. More about Gaia and it’s worldwide tour here.

More: Urchins, shipwrecks and the golden age of Hollywood, more on River Festival Liverpool

Astronaut Helen Sharman will be hosting two special events

5 – How to be an Astronaut

Britain’s first astronaut, Helen Sharman will enthral guests with her account of life in space in a special talk on Sunday 2nd June. She became the first British Astronaut when, in May 1991, she launched on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and spent 8 days orbiting the Earth, living and working on the MIR Space Station. Book your tickets for this special event here.

6 – Our Liverpool Cathedral

There’s something infinitely calming about spending time at Liverpool Cathedral. The vast space is a place to reflect and find some inner peace. As Britain’s largest Cathedral there’s a lot to see during your visit. Why no take a trip to the top of the tower and see the city from up high. Info here.

Museum of the Moon at Liverpool Cathedral 2018

7 – Quiet Hour Earth

There will be a number of autism-friendly ‘quiet-hour’ sessions taking place where visitors can view the earth in peaceful surroundings. Head this way for details.

8 – The Photos

There’s an old Liverpool saying ‘My World’ that has spanned generations with genuine love and who could miss an opportunity to have their picture taken in front of this majestic art work to prove it? It’s also a very special place to pop the question, just saying! Tag us in your pics @TheGuideLpool

For more information about River Festival Liverpool celebrations go to www.theriverfestival.co.uk and follow @riverfestlpool on socials for updates.