Durham Cathedral announces Peace Doves Events programme

20 June 2024
Places2go

A new programme of events and services have just been announced to accompany Peace Doves at Durham Cathedral making it an even more atmospheric experience for visitors.

Peter Walker’s mass-participation artwork Peace Doves is coming to Durham Cathedral this summer from 26 July – 4 September. 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.

From special services to unique dining experiences plus late-night openings – the programme is set to enhance what is already expected to be a breathtaking installation in the historic Nave of the cathedral which will be set to music by composer David Harper.

Andrew Usher, Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral, says,

“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.”

The special services and events programme is now live 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 impressive artwork. One of the highlights 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 as the thousands of handmade doves will be illuminated against the evening backdrop of the cathedral’s Nave.

The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham says,

“The Peace Doves installation represents a chance for people of all faiths and backgrounds to come into this historic house of prayer and offer their different voices, wishes and prayers in the cause of peace. The programme that surrounds the artwork is a wonderful mix of prayerful services, one-off experiences and thought-provoking activities which we hope will inspire everyone who takes part with a sense of God’s peace which they can take away into their own lives.”

Since 1 April, 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 their own message of peace, love, friendship or hope onto a dove for it to be included into the installation later this year.

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