Cathedral to host Christmas light and sound event

Event organisers expect this year's Christmas market to be its biggest yet

A cathedral is planning to host a multi-sensory experience for the first time as part of what organisers are calling a "special Christmas festival of light and sound".

The event is expected to take place in November and December and will incorporate both the Peterborough Cathedral and city centre.

Paul Stainton, head of marketing at Peterborough Cathedral, said events of this type were "very important to keeping that beautiful, iconic building open and free at the point of call for everybody".

"We have got something very different and very special planned," Mr Stainton said.

"It will help improve the Christmas feeling in Cathedral Square."

He said details would be released in the coming fortnight.

The event, which is being run in partnership with Peterborough City Council and the not-for-profit company Peterborough Positive, will replace the annual immersive light show held at the cathedral.

About 7,000 people attended Peterborough Cathedral's immersive light show last year

Peterborough Cathedral will also host its annual Christmas market, which will be held for three days.

The market will start on 16 November and feature 130 stalls selling crafts, food and other items.

Mr Stainton said it takes a "Herculean effort" to bring the market to the Norman cathedral each year.

"It takes a small army of volunteers and staff to put everything in place the day before, but it's worth it because it's amazing and magical."

Earlier this year, the team at Peterborough Cathedral had to raise £300,000 for it to continue to remain open seven days a week and avoid having to consider entrance fees.

Mr Stainton said: "The crisis campaign really was just to raise enough money to fill the gap that we have in income.

"Events are all important and without the income from them we would be looking at closing the doors."