Students from the University of Lincoln will graduate beneath thousands of paper doves bearing messages of peace, hope and love at Lincoln Cathedral this week.

Over the summer around 12,000 people contributed to the artwork by sharing their messages, and now sculptor Peter Walker has brought the birds together into a stunning artwork which soars above the nave of the Cathedral.

Peter and his team spent three days sorting the doves and attaching them to thousands of meters of ribbon before suspending them beneath the central tower of the Cathedral where they fly in formation bearing the hopes and prayers of those all involved.

Following a week of graduations, on Saturday 14 September the next significant event in the life of the Cathedral to take place under the doves will be the installation of the Revd Canon Dr Simon Jones as Dean of Lincoln will take place. All are welcome to join this celebratory service where we will welcome Simon to the Cathedral.

The Revd Canon Rowena King said that it has been thought-provoking to be part of the process of creating the artwork. “All involved have felt the privilege and awe of holding and folding people’s prayers and hopes for peace; particularly so amidst times of national and global unrest. One person’s prayer may feel small, but as we took piles of prayers and turned them into sacks full of doves it was hard not to feel the tangible presence of a deep movement towards peace.

“Peace isn’t something that simply happens when humanity stops fighting or disrupting or arguing. Peace-making is an action, it requires effort, and is something that we build together, for each other.

“Like the installation, peace is built when we find ways for everyone’s voices to be heard and valued – doves have come from all across Lincolnshire, from community projects, churches, hospital chaplaincies and schools; and also from all across the world, from tourists and pilgrims to our Cathedral.”

Peace Doves by Peter Walker will be open to the public until Thursday 13 November. A number of other events will be taking place in the unique atmosphere and setting created by the doves including concerts, organ recitals and family activities. You can find out more by picking up a What’s On leaflet in the Cathedral or by visiting the Peace Doves page on the cathedral website – www.lincolncathedral.com/peace-doves.