The sun is set to shine in Wakefield this summer
Monday, February 02, 2026
This summer, Wakefield Council will welcome Helios, a spectacular artwork celebrating the Sun, to Wakefield Exchange (WX) alongside a full programme of space themed events running from 12 June - 6 September.
Helios, a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, will headline the programme. Measuring six metres in diameter, visitors can step beneath and experience the sun up close.
“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.”
Cllr Hannah Appleyard
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport
Luke Jerram 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.”
The artwork features detailed imagery of the Sun’s surface. At an approximate scale of 1:230 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 2300km of the Sun’s surface.
It is very dangerous to look at the Sun directly as it can damage our eyesight, so Helios provides a safe opportunity for the public to get up close to, and inspect its extraordinarily detailed surface, including sunspots, spicules and filaments. The sculpture also features the source of the solar flares which caused the Northern lights to be visible from the UK in May 2024.
The installation is a fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially created surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson.
Alongside the installation, WX will host a season of free, family friendly, space themed activities. Expect everything from hands on workshops and creative crafts to dress up and more, offering something for visitors of all ages throughout the summer.