Where To See The Gaia Earth Sculpture In Harrogate This Summer

Imagine looking up and seeing the entire Earth hanging above you—six metres wide, glowing gently, slowly spinning. It's not a sci-fi dream. It’s real. And it’s coming to Harrogate this July.

If you’ve ever had that nagging feeling like everything’s moving too fast, and you just want something that makes you stop and say “wow”, then this is it. The Gaia artwork by Luke Jerram might be just what your mind and soul need.

A globe that gives you goosebumps

From 4 to 12 July 2025, the stunning Gaia installation will be on show inside St Wilfrid’s Church as part of the HACS Harrogate Music Festival. But this isn’t just any art piece. It’s a giant, illuminated Earth, made using real NASA satellite images. Yep, those photos astronauts take from space? They’re wrapped around a massive sphere that glows and rotates.

You’ll also hear a calming soundscape playing alongside it, created by BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones. It’s like stepping into the shoes (or space boots) of an astronaut. This feeling is actually called the Overview Effect—a term coined in 1987 by Frank White. It describes the awe astronauts feel when they see Earth from space. Turns out, you don’t need to leave the ground to feel that same magic.

Why Harrogate?

You might be wondering—why is this coming to Harrogate? Well, the town’s not new to pulling off epic cultural moments. Past highlights include the BEAM light festival in 2024, Luminarium in 2018, and Carabosse in 2016. The Harrogate International Festivals team behind these events has made a habit of turning the town into a stage for world-class art.

Sharon Canavar, the festival’s chief executive, put it perfectly: “The arts can captivate and inspire as well as challenge our way of thinking.” She’s excited to see people from all walks of life experience something this powerful—right in their own community.

Music meets the Earth

While you’re gazing up at this floating planet, you can also catch one of six special ‘Gigs at Gaia’. They range from up-close solo performances to big-name ensembles and full-on orchestral shows. It’s not every day you get to hear beautiful music while standing under an artwork that makes you feel like you're floating in space.

Tickets, quiet times, and how to get involved

Want to visit? Here’s what you need to know:

• Dates: 4–12 July 2025
• Location: St Wilfrid’s Church, Harrogate
• Prices:
  • Adults: £4
  • Students: £3
  • Children: £2
  • Family (2 adults + 2 kids): £10

There are also quiet sessions for anyone who prefers a calmer, sensory-friendly experience:

• Monday 7 July at 10am
• Wednesday 9 July at 7pm

You can book online at harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or call the Box Office on 01423 562 303.