Light show 'helps to cover cathedral costs'

The light and sound installation at Durham Cathedral was previewed on Tuesday

A cathedral's light and sound show is a key way of bringing in money to help cover multimillion-pound maintenance costs, chiefs say.

The Storytellers, a Luxmuralis installation at Durham Cathedral, is expected to draw up to 12,000 visitors over the next five nights.

Now in its fourth year, it will see texts and literature - from children's classics to fantasy and romance - projected inside and outside of the building.

With tickets priced at up to £10, the revenue generated will be put towards the building's overheads and allow it to be open free to visitors through the rest of the year.

Andrew Usher, chief officer for visitor experience and enterprise, described the show as "really important to us".

"Firstly, we want the cathedral to be welcoming for everybody and hosting events appeals to people who might not ordinarily come.

"Secondly, unlike a lot of other large cathedrals, we don't charge for entry [at other times of the year] and we're really proud of the fact, but it means we do have to find other ways of creating income.

"The building is nearly 900 years old and it costs a lot to maintain."

The displays have been tailored for the cathedral, Mr Usher explained, with some of its archives included in the projections.

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However, while some religious buildings across the country have welcomed more off-beat attractions in recent years as part of efforts to draw crowds, Mr Usher says such things are unlikely to ever be hosted at Durham.

Exterior areas of Durham Cathedral will also be illuminated over the next few nights

"A lot more cathedrals are looking to find ways to make their buildings accessible and to get people to come back," he said.

"We've had Gaia - an inflatable earth - and take part in events such as the Lumiere light festival, but it's important we can make a connection between an installation and the church.

"So I don't think you'd ever see crazy golf here because it's not true to what we are.

"We've got three Magna Carters on display at the moment and we also host organ recitals and concerts through the year that appeal to different audiences, but they all maintain a relevance to the cathedral."

The Storytellers will get under way at 18:45 BST, following a preview on Tuesday, and runs until Sunday.