You can see Mars in Chichester today in a new exhibition. A giant sculpture of the red planet will be on display at the Nave of the Cathedral until the 10th of November.
The 7-meter-wide artwork showcases detailed NASA imagery, capturing every valley, crater, and volcano on the Martian surface.
From Saturday 26th October - Saturday 2nd November, young explorers can join an interplanetary adventure with the Mission to Mars family trail, in partnership with Chichester BID. Armed with a special Mission to Mars passport—available to download from the Chichester BID website or collect from the Cathedral and participating businesses—children can explore the eight planets of our solar system, each located at different venues across the city. The trail culminates at the Cathedral where families can marvel at Mars. Along the way, explorers can collect stamps in their passport, discover facts about the planets and enter a prize draw for the chance to win signed books by local astronaut and author Tim Peake.
Trail highlights include wonderful window displays at Winter's Moon and Artisan Gallery, featuring planetary installations created by students of The Prebendal School. Jam Café on South Street will also host free space-themed craft workshops on Monday 28th October from 1.00pm-3.00pm and Tuesday 29th October from 10.30am-12.30pm.
Mars exhibition - Photo credit: Luke Jerram
On Monday 28th October at 10.00am, younger children and their grown-ups can enjoy free space-themed storytelling sessions beneath Mars. These free, drop-in sessions will captivate little ones, with older siblings welcome to join.
Also on Monday, Cloisters Kitchen and Garden will host ‘Martian Treats’ pizza decorating workshops suitable for children aged 4+.
Mars exhibition - Photo credit: Luke Jerram
On Thursday 31st October, astrophysicist Ian Hall, FRAS, and exoplanet research scientist Charlotte Alexander, FRAS, will lead a series of four interactive talks throughout the day. This is a unique opportunity to meet this dynamic duo during their sell-out UK tour as they unravel the mysteries of Mars.
For an unforgettable experience, families can attend special Evening Viewings of Mars on select dates during half term to witness the stunning installation in the atmospheric light of dusk. These viewings are accompanied by a dramatic soundtrack by Dan Jones.
To complement the Mars installation, Chichester District Council will be lighting up the city with space-themed illuminations from the 21st October – 3rd November. Illuminations can be seen at locations including the corner of Crane Street, the end of South Street above Ripples and West Street above Franco Manca, among others. As well as the vibrant light displays, there will be live music from ‘The Martians’ who will perform on selected nights throughout the exhibition near and around the light installations.
Rosie Bradberry, Chichester Cathedral’s Creative Education Officer said: “We are thrilled to offer a week of engaging and educational events and activities this October. Whether you’re a parent looking for unique half term activities, a space enthusiast or budding inventor, there’s something for everyone."
For more detail's visit ChichesterCathedral.org.uk/Mars
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