Gloucester Cathedral is an inspirational arts venue

Gloucester Cathedral

The magnificent 900-year-old cathedral in Gloucester is hosting major events, including Crucible, one of the largest sculpture exhibitions in Britain for ten years.

Gloucester Cathedral

GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL is planning major events this autumn and into next year.

This autumn it is hosting Crucible – one of the largest and most important exhibitions of contemporary sculpture to take place in Britain for 10 years. From 1 September to 30 October, the exhibition will take place throughout the building and grounds, including the crypt and cloisters: a magnificent setting for over 70 works of art by many of the most renowned sculptors. There’ll be pieces from names such as Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, Lynn Chadwick, Antony Gormley and Damien Hirst, many sourced from private collections or specially loaned, and several have never been seen in public before. A centre for sculpture itself, the Cathedral has been producing outstanding stonemasonry for the past 900 years and still employs seven masons to continue this work. One of the Cathedral masons, Jordi Raga Frances, also a gifted sculptor, is extremely proud to have his work included in this world-class exhibition.

Sculpture at Gloucester Cathedral Buck J You and me

And next summer, 13 to 16 July, the cathedral will be home to Glorious Gloucestershire 2011, with spectacular floral arrangements celebrating the city’s famous people, products and events. The showpiece will be a magnificent floral carpet stretching the length of the cathedral nave.

The 900-year-old Norman cathedral is also well-known for its role as a location in the Harry Potter films: the beautiful cloisters used for scenes set at Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Further information on Crucible at www.crucible2010.co.uk; about cathedral events including Glorious Gloucestershire 2011 www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk; and for ideas on places to visit and where to stay in the city, www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk.