Sun Rise in Bristol – BTF+ Presents: Luke Jerram’s Helios at Bristol Cathedral

This October, BTF+ – Bristol’s new festival of tech, creativity and culture – brings Helios, a breathtaking illuminated sculpture of the sun by internationally renowned Bristol artist Luke Jerram, to the city for the first time.

Hosted in the awe-inspiring surroundings of Bristol Cathedral, audiences can step closer to the sun in a stunning fusion of art, science and sound. First available to view on Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th, and Wednesday 8th October, the Cathedral will transform after dark into an immersive, otherworldly space.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, Helios uses detailed 72dpi NASA imagery of the sun’s surface. At a scale of 1:200 million, each centimetre of the glowing sphere represents 2,000km of solar terrain, revealing extraordinary details such as sunspots, spicules and filaments.

‘Helios’ by Luke Jerram in Saint FIn Barre’s Cathedral, Cork – at Cork Midsummer Festival 2025 – Ireland / Photograph Jed Niezgoda – jedniezgoda.com

The installation is accompanied by a specially created surround-sound composition from Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, making this a safe and awe-inspiring way to explore our nearest star – including the solar flares that caused the Northern Lights to be visible from the UK last year.

Luke Jerram says: “It’s so exciting to present my new artwork at Bristol Cathedral for BTF+. I spent all last winter perfecting the sun’s internal rippling light and it’s great to now share it in my home city.”

Part of BTF+’s Live Track of immersive performances, music and cultural moments, Helios runs alongside a bold festival programme of keynotes, panels and breakthrough tech demos across Bristol from 6–11 October 2025. Venues include Bristol Beacon, The Old Vic and Bristol Cathedral.

Helios at Seaton Delaval Hall, UK (c) Bec Hughes, House of Hues

BTF+ is the evolution of the much-loved Bristol Technology Festival, curated by techSPARK and delivered with partners Bristol Creative Industries, MyWorld, and long-time festival supporters Ghyston. Designed to showcase the collision of technology, creativity and culture, BTF+ offers something for founders, technologists, creatives, investors, and anyone curious about what’s next.

Ben Shorrock, Co-Founder of BTF+, says: “Helios could not be a finer embodiment of what BTF+ stands for – bold, inspiring, and rooted in Bristol’s unique mix of technology, creativity and culture.”

The Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol, said: “This artwork gives us the opportunity for awe and wonder as we encounter our nearest star, with all its mystery and beauty.”

On display at Bristol Cathedral throughout October, Helios invites visitors of all ages to encounter the sun in a historic and reflective setting.

👉 Book your tickets now for Helios at BTF+: Here

Top image: Helios by Luke Jerram