Peter Walker's immersive installation Peace Doves will grace Chichester Cathedral this autumn, offering an awe-inspiring experience for all ages.
Featuring thousands of paper doves suspended from the historic Nave, each dove will hold messages of peace, love and hope, written by the local community. Beyond the installation itself, a series of events will take place that will enrich the experience further.
Peace Doves will be open to the public from 30th September - 14th October & 21st October - 12th November. General admission by donation, unless specified.
Read on to discover the array of remarkable events that are set to unfold within our historic Cathedral.
Worship amidst Peace Doves
Our regular services will continue throughout the exhibition period including our Choral Evensong service, featuring The Chichester Cathedral Choir, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5:30pm to 6:15pm.
Three special services will also take place offering unique and poignant opportunities to engage with the installation's tranquil ambiance:
- Order of St Richard Evensong: On Saturday 30th September at 3:00pm, all are welcome to join us for the Order of St Richard Evensong and Licensing of Readers.
- Eucharist for Black History Month: Marking Black History Month, a special Eucharist service will take place on Saturday 7th October at 11:00am. This service invites attendees to immerse themselves in the symbolism of the doves, representing unity, hope and harmony
- Remembrance Sunday Service: Peace Doves provides a fitting backdrop for the Remembrance Sunday Service on Sunday 12th November at 11:15am. The soaring paper doves evoke memories of lives lived and sacrifices made and the enduring power of peace. Notably, this service will take place on the final day of the exhibition, creating a poignant culmination.
Click here for details of all our services.
Resonating Rhythms: Music Events
In addition to our Evensong services, the Cathedral's Nave will come alive with diverse melodies throughout the Peace Doves exhibition period:
- Lunchtime Concerts: Every Tuesday at 1:10pm, accomplished artists and ensembles will delight audiences with music from Beethoven, Chopin, Elgar, Mozart and more against the backdrop of our soaring Peace Doves. Our Lunchtime Concerts on Tuesday 3rd, 10th, 24th, and 31st October are free to attend, however we welcome contributions. Discover more>>.
- Dance Under the Doves: Experience Chichester Cathedral illuminated like you've never seen it before at a 90s Silent Disco on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th October. Due to popular demand, Friday night is sold out. Limited availability remains on Thursday 26th October. Book now>>
Peace Doves by Night
One of the best times to experience Peace Doves is in the evening, when the sun has set and the installation is fully illuminated. Our evening viewings give visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy this immersive and tranquil exhibition, which is set to evocative music composed by David Harper.
During these special viewings on Saturday 30th September, Friday 13th October (new date added), Saturday 28th October, Thursday 2nd November, Friday 3rd November and Thursday 9th November, half-hourly slots are available for booking between 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Witness the doves in their illuminated splendour and let the enchantment unfold as daylight fades. Book Now>>
Family Activities Under the Doves
Chichester Cathedral warmly welcomes families to enjoy a range of engaging activities inspired by Peace Doves. These events are designed to spark creativity and provide memorable moments for all ages:
- The Big Draw: On Friday 27th October from 11:00am - 2:00pm, the Cathedral Nave will be transformed into a creative hub. The historic stone floor will be covered with paper, inviting visitors to get inspired by the doves above and draw, colour and explore their artistic talents. This drop-in event is perfect for families to get out and get creative during the half term break. Find out more>>
- Storytelling under the Doves (Under 5s): Embark on a storytelling adventure under the Peace Doves. Join us on Monday 2nd October, Monday 9th October, Monday 23rd October, Monday 30th October and Monday 6th November at 10:00am in the Nave. These free drop-in sessions are specially designed for children under 5 and their grown-ups. Enjoy magical stories celebrating nature, music, time, seasons and the essence of peace. Find out more>>
University of Chichester Graduates Under the Doves
From Monday 16th - Friday 20th October, the Cathedral will proudly host the graduation ceremonies of the University of Chichester. As graduates cross this pivotal milestone, they will do so under the soaring presence of Peace Doves. During this celebratory period, the Cathedral will be exclusively reserved for these momentous ceremonies. We extend our congratulations to all graduating students.
Visit our What’s On page for full details on each of these events.
Header Image: Peter Walker's Peace Doves, Rochester Cathedral