A magical Christmas light show will return to Liverpool Cathedral for the second time following last year’s sold-out success.
The Light Before Christmas: The Manger will illuminate the iconic 99-year-old venue from December 1st, with the help of internationally renowned art team Luxmuralis who will display their immersive light and sound installation for the second year.
The cathedral’s historic architecture will become a backdrop for the sensory experience, which will take guests on a journey that brings the nativity story to life.
Sue Jones, the Cathedral’s Dean said:
“This event was phenomenally popular last year with every ticket being sold, so we are delighted to bring it back. We know how much people wanted to see something similar, so we asked Luxmuralis to return with an elevated festive show.
“The Light Before Christmas: The Manger will offer visitors a different way of engaging with the Nativity story that people enjoy and love. It offers the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to come together and enjoy a festive experience.”
The large-scale Son et Lumiere project will see lights and sound filling the majestic building, including stunning Christmas related images that will be projected onto the front elevation and the interior walls. Illuminations will guide visitors into the building to follow the story, while encouraging both young and old to look up and enjoy the architectural splendour of the building.
The event is £9.90 for adults and £7.70 for children aged from three to 16. Entry for children under three is free when accompanied by an adult but they must have a ticket. Family tickets are also available and there will be two sensory shows with shorter running times and reduced sound.
This will be the third time that Liverpool Cathedral has worked in collaboration with projection art gallery experts Luxmuralis. As well as being the artists behind last year’s Christmas event, they also curated ‘Space, The Universe and Everything’ which was held at the Cathedral in February 2022.
Artistic Director Peter Walker said:
“We are delighted to return to Liverpool and present our second Christmas installation in the stunning Cathedral. Liverpool has embraced these light shows with tens of thousands visiting previous work. It is beginning to feel like a tradition for the city to visit the Cathedral in the festive period and for family and friends to visit the Christmas illuminations as part of the start of the holidays.”
The event starts on December 1st and finishes on December 8th. It runs between 4.30pm and 8.30pm daily, except on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday when it finishes at 7.30pm.
During that time, the Wexford Bistro within the cathedral will be open for festive food and drinks so visitors can enjoy an evening meal before or after viewing the display. The cathedral shop will also have a special stall selling related goodies.
The Light Before Christmas: The Manger is part of a two-year programme of events, exhibitions and artworks leading up to Liverpool Cathedral’s 100th anniversary in 2024.
Tickets for the Christmas light and sound experience at Liverpool Cathedral must be booked in advance and can be purchased from TicketQuarter here.
Photo credit: Gareth Jones
