Marlborough’s Christmas community celebration in St Mary’s Church displaying 1000 golden stars is now officially opened. Visitors can enjoy the walk-through light and sound spectacular every afternoon from 1pm to 7pm until January 6 (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
The stars have all been decorated by members of the community and local school children. Organiser, Helen Stokes, told Marlborough.news, “The three Wise Men followed the star to the birth place of Jesus, and like them, everyone is invited to journey through light and sound to the stable where Jesus was born.
The journey explores the wonders of the universe along the way starting with creation and rippling water effect lighting. We’re particularly pleased that this theme will build upon the fantastic recent Marlborough Dark Skies Festival which celebrated the magnificence of the skies above.”
Included in the trail are photographs of the night sky by astrophotographers Gavin James and Jonathan Genton. Also included is time-lapse footage filmed by Gavin James from his back garden over the course of a single year. You will see the movement of the stars, appearances of the moon, passing satellites and aircraft as well as the passage of clouds.
Gavin commented, “When the clouds part and the stars fill the heavens, I feel a calming connection with the universe, with the extraordinary beauty of nature and its creator. I enjoy a sense of well-being that comes from the stars. When all is clear up there, my earthly troubles drift away to insignificance.”
Amanda Cook’s circle sculpture also features in the trail. Finally, a canopy of shimmering gold stars leads to a silhouetted nativity scene. A sound track of sacred music with environmental sounds plays softly in the background.
Helen said, “The sound tracks and the lights are good for peaceful contemplation in the frantic run up to Christmas. Last year some people came again and again to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. We also hope the installation conveys the Christian Christmas message of love, of God becoming man.”
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