Poppy Fields was created in 2018 to mark the centenary of the end of World War One, it was attended by tens of thousands of visitors to the Cathedral. The immersive projection saw poppies and flowers cascade across the ceiling, walls and floor of the Cathedrals – symbolising those who fought so valiantly for our peace. Accompanying the projections was specially composed music by David Harper and poetry recorded by Oscar-winning actor, Eddie Redmayne. 

“Poppy Fields was a moving installation for all who visited. We often get requests for it to return as it appears to resonate, in a rather beautiful way, with people’s desire to remember those we have lost and honour their memory.   It helps us think about the legacy of peace and security we have derived from their sacrifice” explains the Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield. “2020 has been a difficult year for us all, we have seen countless people’s lives changed by an unseen threat and witnessed the dedication and service of all involved in health and social care. It seemed only right, that 2020 was the year we brought back Poppy Fields.” 

Imagine Peace, in the same year, was an interactive light and sound exhibition, contemplating the concept of Peace. The profound and reflective installation was one of the best attended Great Exhibitions at Lichfield Cathedral.

Adrian Dorber continued: “I found Imagine Peace an inspiring and thought-provoking show: it encouraged us to imagine what it is like to live at peace.  The exhibition encouraged reflection and allowed beauty to inspire, to give wonder and entice imagination of what is possible. Thousands of people who experienced the show found it moving and hopeful. And that is what we wanted to convey in the combination of these two shows for 2020 – the opportunity to reflect and remember but also the occasion to look forward with hope, to start to imagine a future and a way forward”. 

Visitors to the Cathedral during the day will be able to experience the art installation ‘Leaves of the Trees’ by Peter Walker Sculptor, which is currently touring Cathedrals in the UK. The installation features 5,000 steel leaves marked with the word ‘Hope’ to enable people to reflect on and respond to people’s personal experiences of the Coronavirus pandemic. For those with tickets for Poppy Fields 2020, ‘Leaves of the Trees’ will take on a new life as it is joined by a moving projection of leaves blowing in the wind.

Peter Walker, Artist in Residence at Lichfield Cathedral explained his vision behind the installation: “I wanted to create a moment of connection and calm, a simple but moving sculptural artwork that allows people the space that they need to reflect. It allows visitors to consider their experiences of lockdown, isolation, loss, struggles with mental health and job security, and provide a focal point for those thoughts and personal reflections.”

Lichfield Cathedral recognises that these are different times and has taken extra measures to ensure the safety of everyone with more time slots available and fewer visitors per time slot to allow to safe social distancing and an enjoyable experience on the night.

Tickets are £6.50 per person with under 5s free (please select a FREE ticket for under 5s to ensure they are counted towards capacity). Please ensure you read the FAQs thoroughly before purchasing your tickets. Book now.