Illuminated Sheep Set to Shine at Newcastle Cathedral This Autumn

Published August 2024

A flock of 30 Illuminated Sheep sculptures will take centre stage in Newcastle Cathedral’s autumn programme, lighting up the historic nave in a dazzling urban adventure funded by the North East Combined Authority. In October, the flock’s travels will take them to the Cathedral, plus two other iconic Tyneside venues: Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend and Toffee Factory, home to some of Newcastle’s foremost creative and digital businesses.

Led by Queen’s Hall Arts, the Illuminated Sheep project first lit up Northumberland to celebrate the arrival of the Lindisfarne Gospels in the North East in autumn 2022.

The sheep will visit Newcastle Cathedral on Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 October, bathed in a multi-coloured light display by artist Deepa Mann-Kler, with a specially commissioned soundtrack.

The Very Reverend Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle, says: “We look forward to welcoming visitors and members of the Cathedral community to experience the meditative soundscape and witness the unique sight of the sheep in the historic Cathedral nave.

“The Cathedral serves more than just the city. It is the Mother Church for the entire Diocese of Newcastle, which covers 2,110 square miles, including many rural areas in Northumberland. It’s great, therefore, that we’re able to celebrate and recognise rural life in the city centre.”

Illuminated Sheep by artist Deepa Mann-Kler was inspired by the Gospels’ themes of light and pilgrimage and has since seen the flock of life-sized sheep lit up in bright colours at some of the region’s most iconic locations, including Alnwick Garden, Bamburgh Castle, Hexham Abbey, Vindolanda and Woodhorn Museum as well as further from home at the Bradford is Lit light festival.

In anticipation of the flock’s arrival, Newcastle Cathedral will host a series of events celebrating the wonders and realities of rural life. From Saturday 31 August until Thursday 26 September, the Cathedral will care for a life-sized model sheep as part of the Illuminated Sheep Art Trail, presented by Queen’s Hall Arts and the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership. The trail will encourage locals and visitors to explore Hadrian’s Wall Country’s rich landscape, heritage and culture, inviting them to #FindTheFlock.

Each week, a different group from Newcastle will stage their own ‘takeover’ in the Cathedral’s South Transept, decorating the sheep to reflect their role in the local community.

On Thursday 12 and 19 September from 10:30am to 3:30pm, there will be drop-in demonstrations led by members of the Quilters’ Guild, a national charity dedicated to promoting patchwork and quilt-making across the UK. These sessions are open to all, including experienced quilters and those just beginning their journey.

The Cathedral will host a ‘Sheep Fest’ Family Fun Day on Saturday 19 October, from 10am to 3pm. Families can enjoy craft activities and demonstrations from the Tynedale Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers and even meet real farm animals – all while surrounded by the soon-to-be-illuminated flock of 30 sheep.

The celebration will continue on Sunday 20 October, with the annual Harvest Festival at 10am which will showcase the Choir’s youngest singers. During the preceding weeks, the Cathedral community is encouraged to bring contributions for Newcastle Foodbank that will be gathered for collection at this service.

The grand finale will take place across three evenings – Tuesday 22 October, Wednesday 23 October and Thursday 24 October – with slots available from 6:30pm to 8:30pm to see the full flock illuminated at the Cathedral. Tickets are available on a ‘Give as You Feel’ basis and can be booked via the Cathedral’s website.

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, portfolio holder for culture, creative, tourism and sport at the North East Combined Authority and Leader of Durham County Council, concluded: “This is an amazing example of culture quite literally lighting up our communities and providing inspiring and unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike. Illuminated Sheep encourages people to interact and take ownership of the artworks, enhancing that feeling of pride not only in the project itself but in the venues and locations in which the sheep are displayed. Furthermore, the trails and installations will shine a light on our region’s wider tourism offer, helping to attract more visitors and boosting the economy.”

The Illuminated Sheep art installation will be at Toffee Factory on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 October, Segedunum on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October and Newcastle Cathedral on Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 October.

More information and ticket booking links can be found on the Queen’s Hall Arts website.