Adorned in colourful lights, Sheffield Cathedral has created a sense of community and festivity, despite lower ticket sales this year.

The Cathedral has collaborated with Luxmuralis, who specialise in immersive art experiences, and have set up light installations in heritage buildings in the UK for five years.

This year, there is a retelling of the nativity story produced in a contemporary style through the use of modern art, and sound scape.

The Illuminations first began in 2019 to bring new audiences into the Cathedral. This year marks the fifth year with the event taking place from 3 December to 7 December, with their last show running tomorrow.

The show saw lower ticket sales this year, but has still managed to attract over 7000 visitors this week including many families who visit with their children. 

Mary, a visitor at the cathedral event said that the visuals and sound are a bit different than last year, but just as lovely. 

She said: “I am coming to the event for the second time with my son, and I think it is a great place to visit with children because of the festive environment.”

Ben Rossi, the Development Manager of the Sheffield Cathedral has been leading the Illuminated event. The cathedral’s collaboration with Luxmuralis brings together the ancient heritage of the cathedral, and the experience of technical art directors to invite audiences of all faiths and paths of life. 

As well as the illumination show, there are contemplative quiet spaces around, with candle stands to remember loved ones.

Ben said: “There is a kind of spiritual experience going on around the building, people take away different experiences unique to themselves.”

The illuminated event has also helped the Sheffield business community, as local bars, restaurants and local businesses around the city centre, encouraging cross marketing around Christmas time.