Durham Cathedral announces events programme for stunning Peace Doves display
A programme of events and services have been announced to accompany Peace Doves at Durham Cathedral. Peter Walker's mass-participation artwork Peace Doves is there from July 26 to September 4.
Although visitors can experience the artwork of 15,000 paper doves with no admission charge and no booking required, a series of special events and unique experiences have now been announced.
Since April 1, visitors, schools, local groups and church communities have been invited to create one of the 15,000 paper doves needed for the installation.
They have been encouraged to write messages of peace, love, friendship or hope onto a dove for it to be included in the installation.
From special services to dining, plus late-night openings, the programme should complement an already breathtaking installation in the nave of the cathedral. The display will be set to music by composer David Harper.
The special services and events programme is now online for visitors to book or plan their summer days out, including family-friendly mini tours, a Day of Prayer for Peace and three-course meals under the artwork.
One highlight will be a series of late-night openings offering visitors the chance to see the installation after-hours.
On selected evenings in July and August visitors can see Peace Doves at night, with the thousands of handmade doves illuminated against the evening backdrop of the cathedral’s nave.
Andrew Usher, chief officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise at the cathedral, said: “We’re very much looking forward to showcasing Peace Doves at the cathedral this summer.
"The artwork itself will look impressive in the Nave of the cathedral, however we also wanted to offer people the chance to have some unique experiences that reflect the serenity and peace of the installation.
"We've developed a programme that is accessible to a broad range of visitors and includes special services and family-friendly activities that are free to engage with, mid-range evening open events and, for those who want to splurge on something extra special, we are hosting three-course dinners under the artwork too.
"We hope there is something to meet everyone's tastes and budget.”
Visitors can create their own peace dove every day at Durham Cathedral until 20 July, just before the start of the installation.
For more information visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/peacedoves.