A new programme of events and services have just been announced to accompany Peace Doves at Durham Cathedral making it an even more atmospheric experience for visitors.

Peter Walker's mass-participation artwork Peace Doves is coming to Durham Cathedral this summer from 26 July – 4 September. Although visitors can experience the artwork of 15,000 paper doves with no admission charge and no booking required, a series of special events and unique experiences have now been announced.

From special services to unique dining experiences plus late-night openings - the programme is set to enhance what is already expected to be a breathtaking installation in the historic Nave of the cathedral which will be set to music by composer David Harper.

(Image: Durham Cathedral)

Andrew Usher, Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral, says,

“We’re very much looking forward to showcasing Peace Doves at the cathedral this summer. The artwork itself will look impressive in the Nave of the cathedral, however we also wanted to offer people the chance to have some unique experiences that reflect the serenity and peace of the installation. We've developed a programme that is accessible to a broad range of visitors and includes special services and family-friendly activities that are free to engage with, mid-range evening open events, and for those who want to splurge on something extra special, we are hosting three-course dinners under the artwork too. We hope there is something to meet everyone's tastes and budget.”

The special services and events programme is now live for visitors to book or plan their summer days out, including family-friendly mini tours, a Day of Prayer for Peace and three-course meals under the impressive artwork. One of the highlights will be a series of late-night openings offering visitors the chance to see the installation after-hours. On selected evenings in July and August, visitors can see Peace Doves at night as the thousands of handmade doves will be illuminated against the evening backdrop of the cathedral’s Nave.

(Image: Durham Cathedral)

The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham says,

"The Peace Doves installation represents a chance for people of all faiths and backgrounds to come into this historic house of prayer and offer their different voices, wishes and prayers in the cause of peace. The programme that surrounds the artwork is a wonderful mix of prayerful services, one-off experiences and thought-provoking activities which we hope will inspire everyone who takes part with a sense of God’s peace which they can take away into their own lives."

Since 1 April, visitors, schools, local groups and church communities have been invited to create one of the 15,000 paper doves needed for the installation They have been encouraged to write their own message of peace, love, friendship or hope onto a dove for it to be included into the installation later this year.

Visitors can create their own peace dove every day at Durham Cathedral until 20 July, just before the start of the installation.

For more information visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/peacedoves  

(Image: Durham Cathedral)

Events listings: Summer Family Activities

Wednesday 24 July to Wednesday 4 September

Explore the cathedral with the whole family and discover crafts, trails and special mini-tours. Pick up a Peace Doves activity booklet and create new artwork with peace dove stencils. On Thursday 25 July and every Thursday in August, join in with a family-friendly mini-tour of the cathedral.

(Image: Durham Cathedral)

More information: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/summer-activities-24

Evensong for the Dedication of Peace Doves

Sunday 28 July, 3.30pm

We invite you to join a celebration of Evensong, which will be dedicated to the Peace Doves installation and will feature special prayers for peace in our world. Everyone is welcome.

More information: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/evensong-for-the-dedication-of-peace-doves  

Peace Doves at night

Wednesday 31 July, Friday 9, Monday 12 & Friday 30 August, 7.30-8.30pm and 8.30-9.30pm

See Peace Doves in a whole new light by visiting Durham Cathedral after-dark. On selected evenings in July and August, book your tickets to see thousands handmade doves which will be illuminated against the evening backdrop of the cathedral’s Nave. During your visit, you can also get up close to Durham Cathedral in LEGO®, climb the Central Tower to see views over Durham and pick up a hot drink.

Price: £5 per person, under 18s free

(Image: Durham Cathedral)

Tickets: durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173653537   

Online Quiet Day: The Peace of God

Saturday 10 August

This online quiet day takes place entirety online on the cathedral’s YouTube channel. The day explores what we mean by the phrase ‘The Peace of God’, with reflections from Canon Michael Everitt and the Corrymeela community.

More information: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/online-quiet-day-the-peace-of-god

Dinner Under Peace Doves

Thursday 22 and Thursday 29 August, 7.30pm

Sit down under 15,000 Peace Doves and enjoy an exclusive 3-course meal in the crossing of Durham Cathedral surrounded by the serenity and peace of the installation and its soundtrack.

Price: £70 per person

(Image: Durham Cathedral)

Tickets: durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173654812/events

Peace Doves Quiet Hour

Every Tuesday from 30 July to 3 September, 9am - 10am

Gaze up to 15,000 paper Peace Doves in the Nave of the cathedral without lighting or sound. This hour could be more suited for those individuals with a range of sensory needs.

(Image: Durham Cathedral)

More information: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/peace-doves-quiet-hour

Day of Prayer for Peace

Friday 30 August

Join our day of prayer for peace across the world at Durham Cathedral. Prayers will be prayed every half hour throughout the day and visitors are welcome to light a candle and add a personal prayer for an end to conflict and war.

More information: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/day-of-prayer-for-peace