All Saints’ Tide, which includes All Souls’ Day, is when Christians remember those who have passed on and give thanks for their lives, a particular poignant period this year given the pandemic and restrictions on funerals.

To mark this important moment in the church calendar, Salisbury Cathedral will illuminate the Spire, joining other cathedrals across the country in a Light of Hope project, created by light artist Peter Walker and supported by Arts Council England.

The cathedral’s display of three intersecting beams of light shooting up from the roof will form an illumiated pyramid around the spire. It will run from All Saints’ Eve, Saturday October 31, to All Souls’ Day, November 2.

The Cathedral will have an afternoon set aside for prayer and reflection on All Souls’ Day, to light a candle, pray or meditate on Monday, November 2, between 2pm and 4pm. The prayer afternoon is followed by a special Evensong, during which the choir will sing the Faure Requiem.

Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said: “The music and liturgy of All Souls are solemn, reflective, and full of hope, because they offer an assurance of the love and grace of God. I am thankful that despite the pandemic we are still open and, whilst numbers for worship are limited, we are now able to live stream our services for all to share. We hope that as many people as possible are able to join us safely on Monday afternoon to give thanks for the lives of those we love, past and present.”