Some 15,000 paper doves form a dazzling and meaningful art exhibition held in an 11th-century cathedral.

The instillation inside Chichester Cathedral is lit in beautiful purple and lilac lighting, and each of the doves contains a handwritten message of peace, love and hope.

Children from more than 100 schools and community groups in West Sussex as well as the general public were invited to write messages before the doves were hung in the cathedral’s nave.

Now, the Peace Doves installation, created by artist Peter Walker, is complete and the finished article is a truly magical addition space.

A series of special events are taking place beneath the doves during the exhibition including silent discos and twilight viewings set to music by composer David Harper.

The interim dean of Chichester, the Reverend Canon Simon Holland, said: “This transformative exhibition represents the shared aspirations of our vibrant community here within the Chichester District, and Diocese.

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“We invite you to join us in a celebration of togetherness, and to experience the power of art in fostering understanding and inspiring change.”

The event began on September 30 and will run until October 14. It then returns on October 21 until November 12.

Admission to the cathedral is by donation.