An awe-inspiring seven-metre sculpture of Mars lands in Leicester Cathedral, accompanied by a stellar line-up of events, from Friday 16 May to Sunday 8 June 2025.
Prepare to be transported to the Red Planet as Leicester Cathedral welcomes Luke Jerram’s extraordinary sculpture Mars for the first time. Following the overwhelming success of Jerram’s Museum of the Moon and Gaia installations, Mars promises to be another unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Suspended within the historic Cathedral, the seven-metre diameter installation uses detailed NASA imagery to recreate the Martian surface in breathtaking detail. Slowly rotating and accompanied by a specially commissioned soundscape by Ivor Novello and BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones, Mars evokes both the wonder of space exploration and the complex history of human conflict – fitting for a planet named after the Roman god of war.
Entry during Cathedral opening hours is by voluntary donation (suggested £8 per person), with no booking required. Evening events will require booking.
All are welcome to come and consider the mysteries of creation in a place where faith, art, and science converge at the beating heart of city and county. The installation and events have been made possible thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Special Events Under Mars
Alongside the installation, a packed programme of after-hours events invites visitors to encounter Mars in new and thought-provoking ways:
• The Launch to Mars
Friday 16 May | 8.00–10.00pm
Be the first to see Mars illuminated at night while enjoying a bespoke cocktail crafted by Leicester’s 33 Cank Street. Tickets £15 via Eventbrite.
• God of War meets Prince of Peace
Tuesday 20 May | 7.00pm
A theological exploration of Mars and its symbolism, led by Canon Theologian Revd Dr Tom Wilson. Free event (booking required on Eventbrite).
• Mindful under Mars
Wednesday 21 May | 7.00–9.00pm
An evening of mindfulness activities beneath the sculpture. Tickets £8 via Eventbrite.
• Ceilidh under Mars
Friday 23 May | 6.30pm & 8.30pm
Dance the night away under Mars with live music and guided group dances. Tickets from £8 via Eventbrite.
• The Queen’s Six: Mapping the Stars
Friday 30 May | 7.30pm
The internationally acclaimed a cappella group, based at Windsor Castle, perform under Mars as part of their 2025 tour Mapping the Stars. Known for their breath-taking harmonies, they sing a diverse repertoire, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary pop. Tickets from £15 on Eventbrite.
• The Sikh Contribution to the World Wars: A Story of Valour and Sacrifice
Tuesday 3 June | 7.00pm
Historian Gurinder Singh Mann reflects on Sikh bravery and sacrifice during the World Wars. Tickets from £6 via Eventbrite.
• The Cathedral Annual Dinner
Thursday 5 June | from 6.30pm
A celebratory fundraising evening with drinks, dinner, music, and more under the dramatic setting of Mars.
Enquiries and bookings via David.Pepworth@LeicesterCofE.org.
• Shakespeare’s As You Like It
Friday 6 June | 7.30pm
“All the world’s a stage…” The Festival Players perform Shakespeare’s entrancing rom-com. Tickets from £14 on Eventbrite.
• Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar
Saturday 7 June | 7.30pm
Mark the final night of Mars with a special concert by organist Roger Sayer, returning with his sell-out performance bringing the Oscar-nominated Interstellar suite to life on the Cathedral Organ. alongside intergalactic favourites from A Space Odyssey and Holst’s The Planets. Tickets from £15 on Eventbrite.
Family Fun under Mars
Families are especially welcome, with a range of free and ticketed events:
• Soft Play under Mars
Saturday 24 May | 10.00am–2.00pm
The Nave transformed into a giant soft play area! Free, just drop in.
• Planet-themed Crafts
Tuesday 27 May & Thursday 29 May
Drop-in craft sessions for children. Free, no booking required.
• Family Fun Evenings
Monday 26 & Wednesday 28 May | 4.30–7.30pm
After-hours family visits with crafts, trails and refreshments. Tickets available via Eventbrite.