World in one city as Gaia arrives in Liverpool

Liverpool has been dubbed ‘the world in one city’ and now the world has come TO the city.

Artist Luke Jerram’s Gaia is gently turning in the well at Liverpool Cathedral until June 23.

The giant installation follows the moon which Jerram brought to Liverpool last May and which was seen by around 60,000 visitors.

Like the moon, Gaia is a 23ft inflatable globe, and here its surface replicates a satellite-eye view of the Earth’s surface using detailed NASA imagery, with some continents and parts of the world crystal clear and some covered in cloud.

It is accompanied by a soundscape created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.

Jerram, said: “I hope visitors to the Earth in Liverpool get to see our planet as if from space, as a floating fragile ball of life, an incredibly beautiful and precious ecosystem. A place we urgently need to look after - our only home.”

Gaia – part of the Changing Tides artistic programme surrounding this year’s River Festival - will be in place at the cathedral for a month, with varied viewing times in to the evening on some days.

A programme of free events and talks will take place under the planet, including interactive storytelling for youngsters, a piano recital by award-winning pianist William Bracken, poetry readings, performances by the Liverpool String Quartet, new material by songwriter and singer Lizzie Nunnery, unique play sessions for children and their parents or carers, and a yoga session.

There will also be a number of autism-friendly ‘quiet-hour’ sessions, where visitors can view the earth in peaceful surroundings.

Meanwhile a ticketed event on Sunday June 2 will see Britain’s first astronaut, Helen Sharman CMG OBE, take part in a special ‘in conversation with’.

For full details of the programme and to book tickets, visit www.theriverfestival.co.uk.

Viewing times for Gaia differ each day. Visit the cathedral website HERE for full times and details.