Carlisle Cathedral’s bell ringers will share their passion in a new exhibition, which opens on Saturday, May 16.
Heavy Metal: The Fellowship of the Ringers tells the story of the cathedral’s new and ancient bells and the rich tradition and art of bell ringing.
Visitors will be given an insight into the largely hidden world, with the bells standing almost 92ft above the cathedral floor.
For centuries the ringing of the bells has been an integral part of the fabric of the nation, and the team hopes that through the exhibition they will be able to show visitors a little more about the bells and the people who ring them.
Bells have been hung at Carlisle Cathedral since at least 1292 and there is still one bell in the tower dating from 1401.
Using themed and interactive areas within the South Aisle, the bell ringers will give visitors an insight into the history, design and development and technique of bells and ringing both nationally and within Carlisle Cathedral.
There is an area planned to reflect the ringing room with its array of colour and the belfry, showing how the bells are hung and rang.
A TV screen will show the bells ringing, other areas will be dedicated to the history of bell ringing and the bells of Carlisle and the surrounding diocese including the installation of the new Millennium bells.
Among an array of artefacts, a bell will be mounted and be available to be struck and a timeline will give a visual illustration of how deeply embedded bell ringing is in the history of the country.
There will also be a set of mini bells that can be rang at certain times by visitors to demonstrate what happens upstairs on a much larger scale.
Children will also be able to colour their own bells and ropes and there will be a guess the weight of the bell competition running throughout.
Events are planned alongside the exhibition, including bell tower tours, bell ringing taster sessions and a special children’s activity for May half term – Climb and Chime – when children can visit the Bell Tower and make a windchime to take home.
David Steel, tower captain, said “We hope this exhibition will enable you to witness one of the great treasures of our beautiful cathedral and demonstrate the intrinsic link between the church, society, and bell ringing.
“We consider it to be incumbent upon us to reflect the values of this cathedral – unity, truth, and love.
“We also hope that we can contribute to the sustainability and development of bell ringing across the many bell towers and churches across Cumbria and the nation, as envisaged by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, Ringing 2030 initiative.
“We hope you will be able to join us and enjoy this exhibition; you will all be very welcome and you will not regret visiting the splendour of our mighty cathedral.”
The Venerable Michael Everitt, Interim Dean of Carlisle added “The bells of Carlisle reach beyond its walls, calling people to pray and assuring the city of our prayers. It is wonderful to celebrate all involved in this and their life and history.”
The exhibition will be open 10am to 4pm from Saturday, May 16 until Sunday June 14. Entry is free, donations welcomed.
