For the fourth year running, Nottingham Cathedral opened its doors to the public as part of the city’s annual Light Night trail.
Source: Nottingham Cathedral
Despite the rainy weather, the weekend offered a quiet space for reflection, centred around this year’s theme: “Choirs of Angels.”
Moving away from the broader themes of previous years, this installation encouraged visitors to look closer at the Cathedral’s own history and architecture. The building is home to over 80 angels—carved in stone, wood, and paint—which served as the inspiration for the weekend. The gentle light installation was designed to highlight these "hidden" guardians, many of whom are often missed in the busyness of daily life.
The event also provided an occasion to share progress on the ‘Restoring Pugin’ project. We took the opportunity to share our vision for the chapel’s future: once the final touches of the restoration are in place, the Unity Chapel will officially be known once again as the St. Michael and the Angels Chapel. Visitors were able to see some of the restoration work firsthand, catching a glimpse of the revived details before the full project is completed.
The weekend was as much about sound as it was about light. The musical programme was designed to be informal, allowing guests to stay for a single song or the entire evening:
• Friday featured a peaceful atmosphere, with the rolling sounds of the organ and choral pieces from the Lay Clerks and Scholars providing a backdrop for those wandering through the nave.
• Saturday brought a sense of community joy as the Cathedral’s Children’s Choir joined the Choral Scholars and a small string orchestra to perform Vivaldi’s Gloria.
At its heart, the event remained a simple invitation to the people of Nottingham. Regardless of faith or background, visitors were invited to step out of the cold and participate in the installation by lighting a candle on the sanctuary.
In a time that can often feel uncertain, the sight of thousands of candles served as a quiet reminder of togetherness. The Cathedral provided a rare moment of stillness—a chance to say a prayer, take a moment, reflect, or simply enjoy the warmth of a shared space. As the weekend concluded, the message remained one of gentle hope: that even a small light can shine brightly in the darkness.
PS. By opening our doors to the wider community, this event brings to life the core themes of the Go, Make Disciples mission plan, fostering a spirit of missionary discipleship and creating a space for all to encounter the beauty of the Catholic Faith at the Cathedral. Read the Plan here.
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