Paper Starlights brings warmth and hope to Leicester Cathedral
Marking its 30th anniversary as Leicester Cathedral begins its centenary celebrations, Paper Starlights celebrates the love, comfort and connection its handmade stars represent.
Paper Starlights is bringing warmth and hope to Leicester Cathedral this winter with Light of Stars, creating a welcoming space for people of all faiths and none to gather, reflect and spend time together.
The handmade illuminated stars carry a simple sentiment: a light in the darkness, a welcome, and an invitation to pause amid the demands of everyday life.
For Paper Starlights, celebrating its 30th anniversary, the installation has particular meaning as Leicester Cathedral begins its own centenary celebrations. The two milestones offer a moment to celebrate the people, traditions and communities behind both.
Behind every star is a story of people and craftsmanship. Since 1996, Paper Starlights has worked directly with a family business in India, building a partnership that now spans two generations.
Skilled makers use traditional screen-printing, folding and hand-finishing techniques to create the intricate paper lanterns, bringing care and individuality to each one.
That spirit of collaboration extends across faiths and communities. Made through a process involving artisans from different faith backgrounds, the stars reflect the same sense of connection that Light of Stars invites visitors to experience beneath them.
The Leicester installation follows the previous Light of Stars at Bath Abbey, continuing the project’s journey of bringing people together through light in historic places. Leicester is the first English cathedral to host the installation.
Andy Jupp of Paper Starlights said: “We want people to look up and see something beautiful, but we also hope they feel welcome and find a little comfort beneath the stars. Light means different things to different people. It might bring back a memory, represent hope or simply make a place feel warmer.
Our stars are for everyone, whatever their faith, belief or background. Seeing people come together beneath them at Leicester Cathedral is a lovely way to mark our 30th year.”
At Leicester Cathedral, visitors can give the experience their own meaning. Some may come to remember someone special, others to enjoy music with friends or take a quiet break from a busy day. The stars provide a gentle backdrop to those moments.
From the communities in India who make them to the people gathering beneath them in Leicester, the stars connect people across places, generations and beliefs. Thirty years on, that remains at the heart of Paper Starlights.
Light of Stars by Paper Starlights is at Leicester Cathedral until 5 January.
Daytime visits require no booking and are available during Cathedral opening hours. Admission is by voluntary donation, with a suggested contribution of £6 per person.
Find out more: paperstarlights.com
