March 1, 2019 9.13 am This story is over 60 months old

Lincoln Cathedral to go dark as new lighting system is installed

It should look amazing when ready
Photo: Jason Paul Corrigan

New eco-friendly floodlights will be gradually installed around Lincoln Cathedral over the next nine months.

More than 500 LED light sources will replace the current system, which was installed in 1972, and bring energy savings of about 80%.

The new system will replace the current orange-tinted floodlights with softer, whiter lights, which will highlight the Cathedral’s intricate stonework and Gothic features.

They will also have the option of having coloured light on the towers, allowing the Cathedral to recognise important local, national and international events.

Lincoln Cathedral’s existing floodlights will be disconnected at the start of the works and progressively removed.

The works are expected to last for nine months and should not affect the street lighting that currently surrounds the Cathedral.

The new lights are part of  Lincoln Cathedral Connected, a project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to improve the Cathedral’s setting and visitor experience.

The Revd Canon John Patrick, Subdean of Lincoln, said: “Lincoln Cathedral is one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks, so we’re thrilled that its lighting system is going to be replaced with a modern, energy-saving LED system that will really do it justice.

“The Cathedral is not only Lincoln’s brightest shining beacon, but possibly the most visible building in the UK at night.

“Not being able to see our magnificent Cathedral lit up will be a temporary adjustment for all of us and a sobering reminder of what our city would be like without it.”