Follow the Starlight to Sheffield Cathedral this Christmas

Our spectacular light show returns with Luxmuralis and this year it’s a little different …

Sheffield Cathedral’s magnificent Christmas lightshow returns for another year with tickets for this popular event on sale from 10am on 1 September.

For the past few years friends and families have started their Christmas celebrations at the cathedral, marveling at the incredible multi-sensory immersive experience inside and out. Last year, nearly 10,000 people enjoyed the stunning spectacle.

“The most fabulous evening. Emotional, and very Christmassy with the music. An amazing display. We loved it.”
— Visitor to The Manger, 2022.

This year, Sheffield Cathedral Illuminated: Starlight will take you to the heart of the Nativity story. Through stunning projections visitors will be guided on a journey with the three wise men as they follow a star to Bethlehem in search of a newborn king. Watch as the cathedral’s ancient architecture comes alive with dazzling displays and listen to a bespoke soundscape throughout the building. Wander around, at your own pace, soak up all the festive feelings of goodwill, enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the cathedral’s annual Christmas Tree Festival, relish in seasonal treats from 1554 Coffee and Gift Shop and say a prayer and light a candle next to the famous Sheffield Steel Nativity.

“Christmas is a very special time of the year and we’re delighted so many people come to share it with us. We’re also really pleased to open the forecourt this year so everyone passing the Cathedral during the week of the lightshow can enjoy what’s taking place outside. It’s our ‘gift to the city.’” said Ben Rossi, cathedral Development Manager.

“We’re also hoping to be able to organise carol singing on the forecourt before the doors to the cathedral open to the first visitors at 5.30pm. We’ve also decided to reduce the cost of the tickets to come inside and enjoy what’s happening. We understand it’s been a difficult year and want as many people as possible to enjoy the lightshow.”

This initiative is being supported by Utilita Energy Hub: “From our vantage point we see all the good things the cathedral does for the community. Our charity, Utilita Giving is community focused so supporting the cathedral to make the lightshow more affordable makes sense to us. We are here to help.” commented Faye Wilby.

The award-winning Luxmuralis will once again be the expert team behind this remarkable event. Peter Walker, Artistic Director said: "We are thrilled to be returning to Sheffield Cathedral. It is a highlight of our calendar to bring art to the city at Christmas time, which it has embraced so wonderfully over the past years. We are delighted that this year the project will also allow more people to experience the outside of the Cathedral, before venturing inside to see this sacred place come to life through a truly immersive experience. We have a wonderful partnership with the fantastic team at the Cathedral and it is therefore fitting that we will present Starlight for the first time here in Sheffield.”

You can buy tickets for Sheffield Cathedral Illuminated: Starlight online through the cathedral’s website, www.sheffieldcathedral.org or in person from 1554 Cathedral Gift Shop. If you buy your tickets before 30 September you will save even more with discounts of up to 10% with ‘early bird’ prices.