Vivacity presents Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram, a stunning illuminated moon suspended in the awesome setting of Peterborough Cathedral. With detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface and cinematic surround sound, it's hard not to believe that you are floating through space or standing beneath the real thing.

Museum of the Moon will open with a bang on Friday 5 October, featuring a special evening performance of Sufi:Zen by Akademi in the Cathedral grounds. With the dramatic backdrop of the Cathedral's gothic architecture, the night sky will come alive with movement, flowing garments, vivid face paint and a spectacular fire display. Sufi:Zen brings together the stillness of Zen meditation and the joyous motion of Sufi Dervishes.

Leading up to this there will be a mesmerising dance performance of Orbis by Humanhood. Taking your imagination way beyond planet Earth, Orbis looks at the relationship between us and the moon.

Sheena Carman, Vivacity Arts Programme Manager says: “Museum of the Moon has wowed audiences all over the world with its appearance at festivals across Europe, the USA and China, and at the Commonwealth Games in Australia. We’re very excited to be bringing this to Peterborough and present it in the beautiful setting of the Cathedral. It’s going to be a magical experience for all ages” 

The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, said: “We are delighted that Museum of the Moon will join Tim Peake’s Spacecraft in the Cathedral during our 900th anniversary year. Just as the Cathedral has been lifting our eyes heavenward for centuries, so these contemporary works of art and science help us to do the same, prompting questions about our place in the universe, and the mystery and love of God that lie at the heart of it.”

Museum of the Moon will run from the 5 – 14 October. During its time in Peterborough Cathedral, there will be a programme of supporting events including music under the moon by Zimbabwean Duo, Sisters in Mbira, a silent disco and special late night openings to experience the full beauty of the moon after dark.

Museum of the Moon continues until 14 October with a programme of lunar inspired events. Please note, on Saturday 13 October the Cathedral closes at 1.00pm due to the Diocesan Choral Festival. To find out more visit vivacity.org/moon

Sufi:Zen, Orbis and Museum of the Moon have been commissioned by Without Walls. Vivacity Arts is a member of the Without Walls ATN, a group of festivals working together to extend the reach and benefits of the existing Without Walls programme in areas where there is low engagement with the arts. For more information on the work of the Without Walls ATN, visit: www.withoutwalls.uk.com/atn

Opening Times

Admission is free, donations welcome

All welcome to 5.30pm Evensong from Monday to Saturday, or 3.30pm on Sunday, in the Choir Stalls near the Moon. Events free of charge unless otherwise indicated.

Monday 8 October
DAY: 9.00am to 5.00pm. LATE: 6.30pm to 9.00pm.
Tuesday 9 October
DAY: 9.00am to 5.00pm. LATE: 7.30pm – 9.00pm – free concert (see below)
Wednesday 10 October
DAY: 9.00am to 5.00pm. LATE: 6.30pm to 9.00pm.
Thursday 11 October
DAY: 9.00am to 5.00pm. LATE: 6.30pm to 9.00pm.  
Friday 12 October
DAY: 9.00am to 5.00pm. LATE: 7.00pm – 9.00pm – Silent Disco under the Moon (tickets needed, details below)
Saturday 13 October
DAY: 9.00am to 2.00pm * Please note early closing due to Diocesan Choral Festival rehearsal. All welcome to Choral Festival Evensong at 5.30pm.
Sunday 14 October
DAY: 12.00 noon to 3.00pm. 12.30pm - Sisters in Mbira free performance (see below). All welcome to services in the morning or at 3.30pm.

For further press related information, please contact:

Amber Lawrence, Arts Development Officer
amber.lawrence@vivacity.org

Notes about Museum of the Moon, Orbis and Sufi:Zen

Museum of the Moon and its launch night are free to attend and there is no need to book tickets to visit.

There will be special events taking place throughout the duration of its time in Peterborough Cathedral, most events are free unless otherwise stated. These can be found by visiting vivacity.org

Orbis by Humanhood will take place at 6.45pm (Duration: 15 minutes)

Sufi:Zen by Akademi will take place at 7.15pm (Duration: 30 minutes)

Peterborough Cathedral will be open from 7.45pm - 9pm where visitors can experience the moon. Also on display is Tim Peake’s spacecraft and spacesuit.

Public are advised to arrive before the start of the performances. The performances will take place outside so weather appropriate clothing is advised.

There will be an area for those with limited vision, mobility and wheelchair users.

The performance is suitable for all ages. The performance is non-verbal making it accessible for deaf and ESL audiences.