Richard Winterton sponsors The Cathedral Illuminated 2021

Richard Winterton sponsors The Cathedral Illuminated 2021

THERE'S just a week to go before the dark winter nights will be punctuated by the award winning The Cathedral Illuminated, which this year will run each evening from Thursday, December 16, to Wednesday, December 22.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers is proud to sponsor the event, which is one of Lichfield's biggest Christmas occasions.

The ever popular sound and light exhibition by creative artistic team Luxmuralis will this year take the theme of The Manger.

The iconic west front of the cathedral will be the backdrop for a son-et-lumiere telling of the Nativity – the story which lies at the very heart of Christmas.

The inside of the 900-year-old building will be bathed in music and light, with images of angels, stars and stained glass, immersing visitors in the Christmas story.

In addition the old Bishop’s Palace will be covered in sound and light projections representing Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol.

Peter Walker, artist in residence at Lichfield Cathedral and one of the Luxmuralis team, said: "This is the biggest The Cathedral Illuminated that we have ever produced at Lichfield Cathedral.

"Following a difficult couple of years as we’ve all coped with the pandemic, this year’s illuminations are designed to convey great enjoyment and celebration, bringing to life the themes of hope and light and joy associated with the Christmas story."



The Cathedral Illuminated is sponsored by Richard Winterton Auctioneers.

Richard said: "The Cathedral Illuminated has grown into one of the city’s biggest – and literally brightest – Christmas occasions and one of its most iconic.

"We are thrilled to be the headline sponsor of this wonderful event which brings joy to thousands of people.

"Following the hardships of 2020, when it was not possible for the illuminations to take place, and the difficulties of this past year, we fervently hope that this year the show will serve as a beacon of light to a brighter future, built on festive cheer and Christmas spirit."

Tickets are available from the Lichfield Cathedral website.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers' Christmas tree in the cathedral.

Another popular family event at the cathedral continues this year as the Christmas Tree Festival makes a welcome return.

Featuring 45 Christmas Trees, decorated and sponsored by business, charities, local organisations and schools, ranging from Lichfield Litter Legends to the National Memorial Arboretum.

Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite tree and all proceeds raised will go to the Friends of Lichfield Cathedral who work tirelessly to raise money to support the 900-year-old cathedral and to preserve it for future generations.

The Christmas Tree Festival is open every day until January 2 and visitors are asked to check the Lichfield Cathedral website for opening times, which will vary from day to day during the very busy lead up to Christmas.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers' tree is topped by a star made from golden gavels.