The Sun Is Set to Shine in Wakefield This Summer: Helios Art Installation

Ever tried to look directly at the sun? Probably not a good idea, as everyone from your parents to your science teacher will have told you. But what if there was a way to get right up close to our nearest star, to see its fiery surface in incredible detail, without needing any special glasses? Well, this summer, something pretty special is happening in Wakefield that will let you do just that. Wakefield Council is bringing a spectacular artwork called Helios to town, and it’s set to be the centrepiece of a whole season of amazing events and activities for all visitors.

What's all the buzz about in Wakefield?

Get ready for a stellar summer in Wakefield! From 12 June all the way through to 6 September 2026, the Wakefield Exchange (WX) will be home to a mind-blowing installation called Helios. If that name sounds familiar, it's because Helios was the god of the sun in ancient Greek mythology, which is a perfect name for this breathtaking artwork. This isn't just any old sculpture; it's a gigantic, glowing celebration of the sun itself, created by the brilliant UK artist Luke Jerram. The name Luke Jerram might ring a bell for some, as he was the artist behind the hugely popular Museum of the Moon, another incredible installation that wowed visitors in Wakefield a few years back. The council is clearly excited to have him back. This new artwork promises a completely different, yet equally awe-inspiring, experience.

But Helios is just the headline act. Alongside this incredible artwork, there will be a full programme of space-themed events and activities running throughout the summer. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get involved in local culture and leisure, with something planned for everyone, from the youngest space cadets to the most seasoned stargazers. It's shaping up to be a summer of discovery and wonder, positioning Wakefield as a hub of creative energy.

Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, shared the excitement: “We’re looking forward to hosting a creative, thought provoking, and immersive experience at WX. It’s great to welcome Luke Jerram back to Wakefield following the hugely successful Museum of the Moon a few years ago. Alongside Helios, there will be lots of other fun activities for residents and visitors of all ages to get involved with.”

Getting up close with the sun

So, what exactly is Helios? Imagine a massive sphere, six metres in diameter, that's roughly the height of a giraffe!, suspended as if it's floating in space. This isn't just a big yellow ball; the artwork features incredibly detailed imagery of the sun’s surface, taken from real NASA photographs. The level of detail is astonishing. The sculpture is built to an approximate scale of 1:230 million. To put that in perspective, every single centimetre of this internally lit spherical sculpture represents a whopping 2,300 kilometres of the sun's actual surface. It’s an amazing way to grasp the sheer scale and energy of our star.

Because it’s so dangerous to look at the real sun, this installation provides a unique and completely safe chance for the public to inspect its surface. Visitors can get right up close and spot features like sunspots, spicules (jets of gas), and fiery filaments. What’s even cooler is that the imagery on the sculpture is so up-to-date that it even shows the source of the solar flares from May 2024, the very ones that caused the beautiful Northern Lights to be visible across the UK. It’s a piece of living history, connecting a celestial event many of us witnessed with the science behind it. This truly is an immersive experience that brings astronomy to life.

More than just a big glowing ball

This installation is designed to be a full-blown sensory experience. It's not just about what you see; it's about what you feel. The Helios artwork is a fusion of three powerful elements: the breathtaking solar imagery, the clever use of light to make the sculpture feel alive, and a specially created surround sound composition. This unique soundscape, crafted by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, fills the space around the sculpture, making the whole thing feel truly immersive. The sound composition helps create an atmosphere that transports you from Wakefield right into the vastness of space, standing in the presence of a star.

The artist, Luke Jerram, hopes the artwork will encourage people to think about the sun in new ways. He said: “I'm delighted to bring my new Helios artwork to Wakefield this summer. Following the success of the Museum of the Moon back in 2019, the revamped WX will be a great place to bring people from across the city and further afield together to consider the Sun's importance in all our lives. Including its light, warmth, energy for our planet and how our nearest star has inspired culture and religion throughout history, all around the world.” This is a chance to reflect on the history and cultural significance of the sun, which has been central to human life for millennia.

Fun for everyone this summer

The Helios installation is the star of the show, but the supporting cast of events and activities is just as exciting. WX will be buzzing all summer with a whole season of free, family-friendly, space-themed fun. Whether you’re a hands-on type who loves getting stuck into workshops or someone who prefers creative crafts, there will be something to capture your imagination. Think of it as a celebration of culture, sport, and science all rolled into one.

The programme of activities is designed to offer something for visitors of all ages. There will be hands-on workshops where you can learn more about space, sessions for creative crafts where you can make your own celestial masterpieces, and even opportunities for dressing up. It’s the perfect recipe for a family day out during the summer holidays, offering a blend of education and entertainment. This rich programme ensures that every visit can be a unique experience, encouraging people to come back again and again. These activities are a brilliant addition to the main artwork, making the entire Helios event a cornerstone of Wakefield's summer calendar.