From the artist behind the beloved Museum of the Moon and Gaia, Luke Jerram's fusion of Mars imagery, light, and surround sound is coming Friday 16 May – Sunday 8 June 2025.
Wonder at the Red Planet as Luke Jerram's spectacular seven metre sculpture of Mars comes to the Cathedral for the first time.
Mars was named by the ancient Romans for their god of war because its reddish colour was reminiscent of blood – the artwork features detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface and is on rotation, in the style of his other astronomical artworks of the Moon and Gaia.
A soundscape by award winning composer Dan Jones features the sounds of seas, deserts, and NASA missions, as well as distant bombing and people marching, as if to war.
Plan your visit during Cathedral opening hours to explore the installation. No booking is required to view it during the day. Entry is by voluntary donation, with a suggested donation of £8 per person to help support future events and installations like this.
Join us after hours for a unique programme of events that contemplate not just celestial beauty and the wonder of space, but also highlight injustice and the effects of war.
The artwork is made from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter data.
Mars is co-commissioned by Kunsthal KAdE, Netherlands; UK Space Agency; Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK and UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. With supporting partner University of Bristol.
Get your tickets to one of our events on Eventbrite!
Friday 16 May | 8.00–10.00pm (doors 8.00pm)
The Launch to Mars
Be the first to see the amazing installation in the evening whilst enjoying a bespoke cocktail made for the occasion by the team at 33 Cank Street in Leicester. Don't miss this opportunity to see Luke Jerram's stunning artwork come to life as part of this unique launch experience.
Tickets £15 (to include one bespoke cocktail made just for the occasion – alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) from Eventbrite.
Saturday 17 May | 7.30pm (doors 7.00pm)
London Concertante: Four Seasons & The Lark Ascending by Candlelight
The acclaimed ensemble return with their sell-out performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending performed with candlelight.
Tickets from £22.38 on londonconcertante.com.
Tuesday 20 May | 7.00pm (doors 6.30pm)
God of War meets Prince of Peace
Why is Mars in the Cathedral? On Tuesday 20 May, join our Canon Theologian, The Revd Dr Tom Wilson, and a variety of Christian voices to think theologically about what Jesus, Prince of Peace, would say to all that Mars symbolises, whether war, human hubris in space exploration, or overindulgence in chocolate.
Free event – please book on Eventbrite to reserve your space.
Wednesday 21 May | 7.00–9.00pm (doors 7.00pm)
Mindful under Mars
Experience the wonder of Mars with a selection of mindful activities to leave you with a sense of peace and reflection. Refreshments available to purchase. Tickets £8 on Eventbrite.
Friday 23 May | 6.30pm (doors 6.15pm) & 8.30pm (8.15pm)
Ceilidh under Mars
Celebrate the start of half term with us at our Ceilidh under Mars. Enjoy Mars in a completely unique way with live music, drinks and a friendly caller to guide you through the group dances.
The ceilidh sessions will last for 90 minutes and are the perfect spring evening activity whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced Ceilidh dancer.
Tickets from £8 on Eventbrite (6.30pm event / 8.30pm).
Saturday 24 May | 10.00am–2.00pm
Soft Play under Mars
Experience the Cathedral like never before when the Nave will be transformed into a large soft play area underneath the gigantic planet!
FREE – no need to book, just drop in! All children need to be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.
Monday 26 and Wednesday 28 May | 4.30–7.30pm (doors 4.30pm)
Family Fun under Mars
See Mars and experience the Cathedral after hours – bring the family and join us for space-themed crafts and a special activity trail. Refreshments will be available to purchase. Tickets on Eventbrite.
Tuesday 27 May | 1.30–3.30pm and Thursday 29 May | 10.00am–12.00pm
May Half-Term
Enjoy some special planet themed crafts to celebrate Luke Jerram's magnificent Mars.
FREE – no need to book, just drop in! All children need to be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.
Friday 30 May | 7.30pm (Doors 7.00pm)
The Queen's Six: Mapping the Stars
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.
Tuesday 3 June | 7.00pm (doors 6.30pm)
The Sikh Contribution to the World Wars: A Story of Valour and Sacrifice
Join us for an enlightening and inspiring lecture by renowned historian Gurinder Singh Mann. Known for his extensive research on Sikh history and heritage, Mann will shed light on the extraordinary contributions of the Sikhs during the First and Second World Wars.
- Early History: who are the Sikhs and why are they referred to as Saint/Soldiers?
- Unheard Stories: discover the remarkable bravery, resilience, and sacrifices made by Sikh soldiers who served in battlefields across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
- Global Impact: learn about the pivotal role Sikh troops played in shaping the outcomes of the wars and their lasting legacy in Leicester.
This lecture is a must-attend for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in the legacy of the Sikh community's global contributions.
Tickets from £6 on Eventbrite.
Friday 6 June | 7.30pm (Doors 7.00pm)
Shakespeare: As You Like It
"All the world's a stage..." The Festival Players perform Shakespeare's entrancing rom-com.
Rosalind, the daughter of a Duke, is banished from court. Along with her cousin Celia, she escapes to the Forest of Arden and disguises herself as a man and teases Orlando, who does not recognise her as the girl he loved at a distance.
Meanwhile, the pastoral world of the Forest is inhabited with a colourful array of folk, all looking for love, in this delightful tale full of comedy and music.
Tickets from £14 on Eventbrite.
Saturday 7 June | 7.30pm (Doors 6.15pm)
Hans Zimmer's Interstellar
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.
Hear highlights from the film's iconic score, alongside intergalactic favourites from A Space Odyssey and Holst's The Planets, all while experiencing the majesty of Luke Jerram's Mars installation.
Sayer will take the audience on a journey through time and space, including a discussion and Q+A about his experience working with Christopher Nolan and Hans Zimmer.
Tickets from £15 on Eventbrite.
