Advertisement MissioICN Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Lancaster: Moon landing at church draws huge crowds


For the next two weeks there is just one place to land in Lancashire when you're looking for somewhere to go. That's Lancaster Priory ... where 'The Moon' is currently drawing huge crowds. The historic church is hosting one of the world's most awe-inspiring artworks - a massive replica of the moon - suspended from the Priory's ancient rafters. The event launched at the beginning of the month and continues until November 21.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, The Moon features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon's surface.

The Moon exhibition is one of several currently touring the world, attracting more than three million visitors.

The Priory's is the largest version by UK artist, Luke Jerram who has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe. He is known worldwide for his large scale public artworks.

Luke's installation is complemented by a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer, Dan Jones.

Luke had the idea for The Moon 15 years ago but the data for creating its imagery was only made available by NASA fairly recently.

"As a child I always wanted a telescope so I could study the Moon and the night's sky," he said. "Now with my own Moon, I can fly there, study every detail and share this experience with the public. We can explore the far side of the Moon which is never visible from Earth."

Lancaster Priory has a growing reputation for its cultural programme, and this lunar artwork is its biggest event to date.

The Vicar of Lancaster, Canon Chris Newlands said: "In this 50th anniversary year of the moon landings, we are very excited and proud to host such a spectacular artwork at the Priory and I'm sure everyone who visits will be impressed by its beauty and scale.

"We encourage as many people as possible to take the opportunity of seeing The Moon while it's in Lancaster and enjoy the themed programme of events taking place at the same time."

The Moon can be visited at Lancaster Priory during the day and there are late night openings too from 4-9pm on Thursday-Saturday.

Admission is £3 for adults and £1 for children. Advance booking is recommended.

For updates on the events programme and to book tickets, see: www.lancasterpriory.org


Adverts

Mill Hill Missionaries

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon