The launch of Cambridge University’s 800th anniversary celebrations will echo around the globe this Saturday (January 17).

In a unique union, Senate House will provide the backdrop to a stunning light display featuring illustrations by Quentin Blake - as four churches in the city sound their bells to a newly-composed work to ‘ring in’ the 800th anniversary.

The sound of bells celebrating the University’s octocentenary will reverberate across the world as churches from the United States of America to Australia mark the occasion.

The new work for bells has been composed for the occasion by Clare College alumnus Phil Earis, and will be performed by bell-ringers at various city Churches, led by Great St Mary’s (pictured), from 7.15pm.

At the same time, a newly-commissioned piece of light art will be projected on to the Senate House and Old Schools. Produced by world-renowned light artist Ross Ashton, and featuring brand-new illustrations provided by Downing alumnus Quentin Blake, the show will begin at 7.15pm on January 17, and at 6pm on January 18 and 19.

This event has generated interest from bell ringers locally, nationally and internationally. Churches and cathedrals around the world are planning to join in the celebrations.

All Church of England bishops have been asked to have churches in their diocese ring their bells along with the University. A number of churches and bell-ringing groups in England have already agreed to take part.

In the United States, the Cambridge Society of Sussex in California and Trinity Church on Wall Street in New York City will be ringing their bells.

The event has also stimulated interest from as far afield as Japan, Australia, Syria and at St Mark's Cathedral in Bangalore.

Meanwhile, a Judge Business School applicant in Costa Rica has offered to clatter kitchen utensils in his neighbourhood if he cannot find a suitable substitute.

The Vice-Chancellor, on her second visit to India, has received expressions of interest from St Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata, Sacred Heart Cathedral and St James’ Church in New Delhi, and a bell ringing group in Hong Kong.

Churches, college chapels and alumni groups worldwide are invited to participate. Encourage your local bell-ringing community to get involved and help celebrate this landmark occasion.

To register your interest, please contact the 800th Anniversary Team on 800@admin.cam.ac.uk. For further information, please click on the links to the right of this page.
 

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