Lincoln Cathedral was bathed in a rainbow of coloured lights on evening of Monday 21 October, as it was lit up red, blue and purple.
The colours were seen across the city on the first night of testing the new LED exterior lighting system which has been installed at the Cathedral. The building has not been illuminated at night since March when the old floodlight system was decommissioned as part of the ongoing improvement works to the Cathedral and surrounding environment.
The testing will continue for two weeks and Dr Anne Irving, Programme Manager of Lincoln Cathedral Connected said that the commissioning of the new lighting system is a major milestone in the project. “We’re delighted to be another step closer to the completion of the Old Deanery Visitor Centre next year. Lighting the Cathedral is a very visual expression of the excitement we feel as the project nears completion.”
The commissioning process allows final adjustments to be made ahead of the official switch on in November.
Anne added that the new lights will not only be much more environmentally friendly, but also provide better illumination of the historic building. “The white lights will be much softer than the orange glow of the old floodlights, and will highlight much more of the detailed stonework, showcasing the Cathedral to the best possible effect.
“We know from the comments we have heard and what we have seen on social media that the people of Lincoln are as excited as we are to see the Cathedral lit up again at night.”
The lights will be officially switched on at 9pm on Tuesday 26 November, following St Barnabas Hospice Light Up A Life Torch Light Parade.
The Revd Canon John Patrick, Subdean of Lincoln said that lighting the Cathedral sent out a powerful message of hope. “The imagery of light is a powerful metaphor in the Christian story; light overcoming darkness, good defeating evil and hope triumphing over despair. The lighting of the Cathedral not only is a daily reminder of the beauty of the building but also an important image of God’s presence in this city and county.”
