Westminster Cathedral will be taken over by a huge lights display this summer – and it’ll be narrated by Hugh Bonneville

Westminster Cathedral – or, officially, The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood – is a sight to behold. The neo-byzantine building, complete with a 210-foot tower, is the biggest Catholic church in England and Wales. Adorned with over a hundred varieties of marble, poet John Betjeman once called it ‘a masterpiece in striped brick and stone’. We’re with you, John. 

Now, a new visual show is hoping to shed new light on the iconic building, quite literally. 

Luminiscence, a company which hosts immersive experiences in World Heritage sites, has announced that its next display will take over the holy London building throughout the summer.

The show will be a journey through the history of the Big Smoke, told using live performances and light projections mapped onto its grand interiors. 

When Westminster Cathedral was constructed, its decorative interior was never finished because of a lack of funds, leaving the vast ceilings and upper columns bare for over 120 years. Luminiscence has used digital modelling and research to recreate architect John Francis Bentley’s original vision for the domes.

The show’s story has been scripted by Tim Whitnall. Fun fact: his previous work includes narrating the Teletubbies. Plus, you’ll hear the voice of actor Hugh Bonneville – of Paddington and Downton Abbey fame – echoing through the cathedral’s hallowed walls. 

Music will play a big part in the show, too. Classical works composed by famous names including Beethoven, Verdi, Debussy, Vivaldi and Bach will be performed live by the Lux Aeterna choir.

Luminiscence is heading to the capital after its UK debut at Manchester Cathedral, having hosted previous iterations in France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Brazil and the US.

The show will run from July 1 to September 27 and tickets will be available from May 13. This waitlist for early access will open a day early on May 12, offering a 10 percent discount for early sign ups. Ticket prices will start from £32.50 and you’ll be able to choose from gold and silver ticket tiers. 

Did you see that an immersive full-scale Sistine Chapel exhibition is coming to London this summer?

Plus: this iconic abandoned south London building, which was designed by a famous architect, is up for sale.

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