Welcoming ‘Illuminated Sheep’ and Celebrating Local Community Groups

Published October 2024

This Saturday, 19 October, Newcastle Cathedral will welcome 30 soon-to-be ‘Illuminated Sheep’ leading up to next week’s vibrant display by artist Deepa Mann-Kler, accompanied by a specially commissioned soundtrack.

The flock’s first-ever indoor appearance coincides with the Cathedral’s ‘Sheep Fest’ Family Fun Day on Saturday and the Harvest Festival on Sunday, 20 October at 10am. The festival will highlight the Cathedral Choir’s youngest singers and celebrate the community’s generous contributions to Newcastle Foodbank, gathered over recent weeks for collection.

The sheep will then be bathed in dazzling multi-coloured light across three evenings: Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23, and Thursday 24 October, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Visitors can book ‘Give as You Feel’ tickets through the Cathedral’s website to witness the full flock lit up in their technicolour glory following their recent appearances at Toffee Factory and Segedunum Roman Fort.

Among those visiting the flock will be local groups who were invited to decorate individual sheep for display at the Cathedral in September. Each design reflected the groups’ unique identities and the roles they play within the community.

The first group to participate was Newcastle Young Carers, who attended a creative workshop at the Cathedral. These young carers, all under 18, painted small ceramic sheep, with each design reflecting the individuality of its creator. The result (including a ‘Deadpool’ sheep, inspired by one of the artist’s favourite superheroes) highlighted that behind the label of ‘carer’ are young individuals with distinct identities and stories.

Next up were the Heaton Hookers, a craft group from Newcastle’s East End that fosters friendships through a shared love of crochet, knitting and fibre arts. Their sheep, ‘Baaa-bra’, was decked out in colourful, eye-catching attire, embodying the group’s lively community spirit. The Heaton Hookers subsequently ‘yarn bombed’ the Cathedral with vibrant fibre art ahead of October’s festivities.

The ‘Speaking Up Together’ group, led by and for adults with learning disabilities, is actively involved in ensuring the Cathedral remains accessible to all. Their sheep, holding a placard and megaphone, symbolised their ongoing advocacy for disability rights and challenging discrimination.

The final sheep was decorated by the Newcastle Foodbank, dressed in a volunteer uniform complete with a branded jacket, hat and lanyard. Based in Newcastle’s West End, the Foodbank has served the community since 2013 and welcomed The Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, as a patron earlier this year. The sheep’s jacket was adorned with photos and messages from volunteers, sharing their personal reasons for supporting this vital cause.

For more details on Newcastle Cathedral’s Harvest-themed events and special services, including the ‘Illuminated Sheep’ evenings on Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23, and Thursday 24 October, visit newcastlecathedral.org.uk/whats-on.