Giant sun installation starts cathedral celebration

A giant illuminated sun installation has been put on display in Derby Cathedral to launch a centenary celebration of the local diocese.

The sculpture, created by artist Luke Jerram, is named after the Greek god of the sun, Helios, and has been scaled so each centimetre represents 2,000km (1,242 miles) of the star's surface.

Helios, which has previously lit up Kedleston Hall, is on display from Tuesday until 31 October as part of a wider programme of events celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Diocese of Derby.

Very Rev Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said: "Helios is a spectacular way to begin our centenary year, inviting people to experience Derby Cathedral from a new perspective."

Created using high-resolution imagery by astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green and data from NASA, Helios reproduces the Sun at a scale of about 1:200,000,000.

This scientific accuracy allows viewers to see features such as sunspots, filaments and regions linked to solar flares, which create the Northern Lights in Earth's atmosphere.

Helios is the third space-themed installation at Derby Cathedral in recent years, following a replica Moon and a giant spinning model of the Earth.

The Helios installation is the first of many events celebrating the Diocese of Derby's centenary year between October and the end of 2027.

The diocese, which is based at the cathedral, said there will be "art, music, heritage and community projects to reflect the building's significance both past and present".

The Cathedral Church of All Saints was founded in 943 AD, however the Diocese of Derby was formed in 1927.

As part of the centenary celebrations, Derby Cathedral will host an event to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Bess of Hardwick, whose tomb lies within the cathedral.

Taking place from 12 to 14 February 2027, the exhibition will explore her life through 16th century inspired music performances, textiles and talks.

The cathedral will also host a music festival from 7 to 9 May next year, in partnership with Sinfonia Viva, to celebrate the site's music heritage.

Other centenary services will take place throughout 2027, said Derby Cathedral.

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