Here Comes the SUN!

Whatever the weather next September, Orkney is guaranteed a ray of golden sunshine for at least a few days, as the stunning art and science installation SUN comes to St Magnus Cathedral.

Hosted by the Orkney International Science Festival (OISF), the 6m diameter inflatable sphere will be suspended inside the Cathedral crossing. It will be lit up from within, and the projected images shown will be based on data taken from NASA’s recordings of solar activity. A gentle soundscape and some mist effects will complete the spectacle.

SUN is a collaboration between artist Alex Rinsler and The University of Central Lancaster, headed by Professor of Solar Physics, Robert Walsh. A dedicated team of technicians will come to Orkney to install the sphere in the Cathedral, where it will hang from 7-13 September 2023.

Cathedral Custodian and Visitor Services Officer, Fran Hollinrake, said: “When we were approached by Howie Firth of the OISF about having SUN in the Cathedral, we just jumped at the chance! It has taken quite a lot of planning, but we think it will be a beautiful and visually stunning event. We are hoping to tie it in with a special exhibition at the Orkney Museum, highlighting the role of Orkney scientists in studying the sun and the solar system.”

Science Festival Director, Howie Firth, explained how the idea developed to bring the installation to Orkney: “The Council’s Arts Officer Emma Gee opened up the contact with the SUN team and suggested that the cathedral was the ideal place. It was a brilliant idea and the tremendous support and encouragement from the Cathedral team and all the various OIC staff and Councillors and from the minister and congregation has given the project great momentum, which is taking us forward with the huge amount of work that needs to be done on the various fronts.

“The Cathedral has always been a place of light in the heart of the community, and it is such a privilege to be part of a development to help the light of the sun, with electricity from Orkney’s wind and tide, to shine in this way. We are working with groups in the community to bring together activities around the theme.

“Funding of course is always a challenge with any big new project, but work is under way and support coming in and we’re currently finalising a package which we think would be of particular interest for the energy sector.”

Chair of the Council’s St Magnus Cathedral Sub-committee and Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “Orkney is treated to incredible sunrises and sunsets on a regular basis so I am confident that an installation of this quality will attract a tremendous amount of interest from the public.  In the words of Katrina & The Waves - folk will no doubt leave with a feeling of ‘Walking on Sunshine’ after the experience!”