Here comes the Sun

Entry to see the Sun will be included with your annual pass. Children aged 11 and under visit for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Brighten up your new year and wander the majestic nave of Winchester Cathedral by sunlight as you enjoy this breathtaking artwork.

Top tip: Book your annual pass online to save £1pp.

Photo credit: Luisa De la Concha Montes

One night in Stockton On Tees, three teenagers heard strange sounds coming from the backroom of a pub. They went in. They heard people singing songs they’d never heard before. Songs without instruments. Songs in their own accents. Songs about places they knew. Folk songs. They joined in. Because they were the youngest ones there by several decades, they were soon labeled ‘the Young’uns.’ More than 20 years on and they’ve carried their unfortunate name around the world, from Sidney to Vancouver, from Radio Tees to Radio 4, won 3 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and gained a reputation for singing life affirming songs of social conscience in immaculate 3 part harmony.

Join Winchester Pilates every Monday in February 2026 for a truly unique Pilates experience beneath Helios. A spectacular, internally lit sculpture of the Sun, accompanied by a surround sound composition incorporating real NASA recordings.

Led by two of Winchester’s most popular instructors, Jane Webb and Sam Parsons, these uplifting mat-based Pilates classes will flow beneath the glowing artwork, blending mindful movement, history, and the energy of the Sun in one of Winchester’s most iconic settings.

A rare opportunity to connect body and mind in a breathtaking atmosphere—you are guaranteed a memorable experience at the heart of the city.

Suitable for all levels, classes are kept small to ensure personalised guidance so we recommend that you secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

A rare opportunity to visit the cathedral at night; end your day on a high, as you experience this spectacular sun installation in such majestic surroundings.

With no distractions of external sunlight, you’ll be able to experience the Sun in full glow, as it illuminates the nave. Invite family and friends for a night to remember.

Photo credit: Bec Hughes

Join science comedy phenomenon ‘Festival of the Spoken Nerd’ for the greatest show under the Sun – literally! 

Stand-up mathematician Matt Parker, experiments maestro Steve Mould and geek songstress Helen Arney bring their infamous science cabaret night to Winchester Cathedral, joined by two scintillating guest stars: Professor Jen Gupta and Professor Lucie Green who provided guidance to Luke Jerram for his Helios artwork.

An Evening of Unnecessary Detail brings stand-up comedy, science, maths and extraordinary facts together in a single Venn diagram. With sell-out shows across the UK and over a million podcast downloads, it’s the night where scientists, enthusiasts, miscellaneous experts* and/or comedians talk about whatever they want in outrageous detail, from the Big Bang to Space Telescopes and everything in between.

* Actual experts in miscellany

Here’s what people are saying about their live performances.

Photo credit: Idil Sukan

The sacred space of Winchester Cathedral has echoed to music every day for over 900 years. A unique opportunity to hear beautiful music by the internationally acclaimed Winchester Cathedral Choir with themes of creation, the Sun and the solar system, as you marvel at this breathtaking art installation.

Invite family and friends for a spinetingling and heartwarming experience.

Photo credit: Jim Pascoe

Founded in 1982 by Rev. Bazil Meade MBE, the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) has grown into the UK’s premier contemporary gospel choir, captivating audiences around the world with their powerful fusion of gospel, soul, jazz, funk, and R&B.

Their mission is simple: to spread love and light through music.

Made up of an eclectic mix of talented vocalists from diverse backgrounds, LCGC proudly represents the metropolitan spirit of London, coming together as a dynamic ensemble that radiates God’s love, peace, and unity through every performance. Known for their high-energy, feel-good shows, they never fail to uplift audiences with a message of hope and joy.

LCGC’s influence spans the globe, with historic performances at the FA Cup Final at Wembley, Glastonbury, Live 8, World AIDS Day, the Grammy Awards, and multiple appearances at the Royal Albert Hall. In 2022, they were personally invited by Buckingham Palace to perform at Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a global broadcast seen by nearly one billion viewers.

Their collaborators read like a who’s who of the music world: Elton John, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Adele, Annie Lennox, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Gregory Porter, Blur, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, and many more. They’ve also featured in films like The Lion King, Love Actually, and Street Dance.

You are the Sun is a very first opera for babies and grownups that explores the magic of nature. Combining the joy of gentle classical singing and sensory play, it is an invitation to see beauty in the smallest things and to let plants be our guides.

​Celebrate the gift of nature as we conjure a world out of breath, water, sunlight and soil in this magical musical adventure for 0- 2s.

Click here for a preview of the event.

Photo credit: Adam Walker

Dance beneath a glowing sun inside the stunning arches of a historic cathedral at our one-of-a-kind 18+ Silent Disco. This rare experience blends art, history, and nightlife—don’t miss your chance before the sun sets for good.

The Scientific Revolution of the 17th century saw important transformations in human understanding of the universe. Improvements in telescopic design and new theories of planetary motion changed perceptions and interpretations of the cosmos in ways which continue to inform the field of astronomy today.

In this talk, the Cathedral’s Curator and Librarian, Eleanor Swire, will explore some of strange and wonderful books from the Cathedral’s historic 17th-century Morley Library to tell a story of the revolution in astronomical observation and understanding. Featuring works by Galileo Galilei and Athanasius Kircher among others, the talk will consider why these books were so significant and what they suggest to us about the reception of new scientific thinking at that time.

Newquay based indie-folk duo ‘Our Atlantic Roots’ are fast becoming one of the most popular artists in the South West, as well as having a dedicated and growing fan base around the world, with features on some of the biggest indie-folk channels and playlists. The American-British duo have had airplay on BBC Radio 2, BBC Introducing and they have shared the stage at festivals with the likes of Passenger, Tom Odell and Ward Thomas.

Their songwriting is honest, poetic and reflective and has been praised by industry professionals; from Nashville-based hit songwriter Mark Cawley, to local folk legend, Geoff Lakeman. Originating in North Carolina, the duo creatively blend roots music with cinematic instrumentation, leaning into more traditional sounds for some releases and merging genres such as indie-pop or americana for others.

They have drawn sonic inspiration from bands such as The Paper Kites, The Oh Hellos and Hollow Coves. The fully independent and self-managed duo are currently touring the UK and writing new material. Don’t miss your chance to see them perform under the Sun at Winchester Cathedral.

Love the feeling of walking on sunshine?  In our new family trail, explore some of the ways the sun, moon, and stars decorate the cathedral through fun activities perfect for children 5-11.

Discover characters from the cathedral’s past and present and work together to complete their stellar challenges:
-Meet Melesina and the Moonlanders
-Lie back and star-gaze
-Become a star pupil
-Journey across a galaxy of stars
-And more…

Free with your annual pass, collect your trail from the Welcome Desk. Children aged 11 and under enter the cathedral for free when accompanied by a paying adult.