As part of Knowsley’s celebrations for its year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture, ‘Gaia’- a large scale replica of the earth - by Luke Jerram is set to come to St Chad’s Church, Kirkby.

Find out more on www.cultureknowsley.co.uk and follow @cultureknowsley on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Please note there will be a school choir performing from 2.00pm-2.30pm on Tuesday 1 February. Everyone is welcome.

From 5.00pm to 8.00pm on Tuesday 1 February the Church will be closed as we are hosting a special event from the LGBTQIA community and young people from Knowsley’s Be Yourself and Homotopia.

What is Gaia?

Gaia is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram that aims to demonstrate the fragility of the planet. Measuring 6 metres in diameter it is a replica of the ‘earth’ created from detailed NASA imagery of the earth’s surface. The artwork provides a unique opportunity to view our planet, floating in three dimensions and revolving slowly.

Its creator Luke Jerram says: “I hope visitors to Gaia get to see the earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious place. An ecosystem we urgently need to look after – our only home.”

In addition to being visually dramatic, Gaia is also accompanied by a surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning composer Dan Jones.

In Greek Mythology, Gaia is the personification of the earth – which seems a fitting name for this phenomenal artwork.

Who is Gaia for?

Gaia is something that everyone can enjoy – no matter what age or what your interests are.

More than just being an artwork, Gaia provides visitors with an incredibly memorable experience – sometimes described as ‘Overview Effect’. This is when people get a feeling of being in awe of the planet and suddenly becoming aware of our lives and our responsibility to look after this place that we all live.

Gaia will create magical memories for visitors of all ages.

However, people should be aware of the following:

• All visitors are required to wear a mask at all times while inside St. Chad's Church. The exception to this rule is those with evidence of medical exemption and children under the age of 12.
• At busy times there may be queues, so we ask for your patience
• People should be aware that to enter the church there are approximately 10 steps (a ramp is available for standard wheelchair users)
• There are no public toilets available at the venue
• Please do not bring food or drink into the church

What do I need to know about tickets?

Tickets are limited to a maximum of six per order. This restriction is in place to ensure the safety of visitors and ensure as many people can see Gaia as possible.

If you no longer require all of your tickets after ordering them you can request a refund via eventbrite or email boroughofculture22@knowsley.gov.uk and let us know so that they can be re-allocated to other residents

Group bookings larger than 6 people should contact Katy McLoughlin on 0151 443 5749 or email boroughofculture22@knowsley.gov.uk

Are disabled visitors or those with additional needs able to visit?

Yes, Gaia is intended for all the community to enjoy.

If you require mobility support, have a disability or additional needs you would like to discuss then please call the Culture and Events Team on 0151 443 5353 before visiting or planning your trip.

St. Chad’s Church is accessible for standard wheelchair users but due to the width of the entrance doors some adapted wheelchairs will not be able to access the church.

There will also be Quiet Hours where Gaia can be viewed without the accompanying soundtrack. These sessions will be held on Tuesday 8 and Tuesday15 February from 4pm to 4.45pm and 5.00pm to 5.45pm.

How do I get to St. Chad’s Church?

St Chad’s Church is located on Old Hall Lane, off Hall Lane in Kirkby. For sat nav users please use L32 5TH.

Kirkby Bus Terminus on Cherryfield Drive is located just opposite the church and Kirkby Train Station is located just a 10 minute walk away (Kirkby Row, L32 2BD)

If you are using public transport please visit the Merseytravel website to plan your journey.

Is parking available?

There is no on-site car parking available at St.Chad’s. The nearest car park is located on Telegraph Way, off Hall Lane – signage will be in place and the route clearly marked for pedestrians walking to the church. Other parking is available in Kirkby town centre.

If you are part of a large group and travelling by coach, please call 0151 443 5353 before planning your visit.

There are a small number of disabled parking spaces available to book outside St.Chad’s Church – these MUST be booked in advance by calling 0151 443 5353.

A PDF map of available parking in Kirkby can be found on the Gaia event page of Culture Knowsley’s website. The map is located in the 'How to get to St. Chad's Church' section. https://www.cultureknowsley.co.uk/gaia/

PLEASE REMEMBER

If you have tested positive for COVID 19 or are displaying symptoms of the virus please do not attend

Guests are advised to take a lateral flow test before they attend. You can obtain lateral flow test kits via https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

COVID guidance from the Government is subject to change so please ensure you check the latest restrictions before visiting

All visitors are required to wear a mask at all times while inside St. Chad's Church. The exception to this rule are those with evidence of medical exemption and children under the age of 12.

Are there any special events planned whilst Gaia is here?

Saturday 29 January

5.00pm - 6.30pm

Join the British Syrian Cultural Centre as they entertain us with traditional Syrian folk dancing and Arabic singing. All are welcome.

Sunday 30 January

3.00pm - 3.30pm

Kikrby’s Liverpool Ganesh Temple in Kirkby will perform a traditional dance under Gaia

Saturday 5 February

2.00pm and 4.00pm

Join storytellers as they share stories about people and places from our beautiful world. This is an interactive family storytelling experience from Altered Scale and Petite Ullaloom.

Saturday 5 February

5.30pm to 6.30pm

Enjoy the sounds of Kirkby Ukulele Band as they entertain audiences with some fabulous tunes including Wonderful World, All you Need is Love and Somewhere over the Rainbow.

Saturday 12 February

2.00pm to 3.00pm

Listen to the Care Merseyside Writing Group from Tower Hill Community Centre perform poetry based on the theme of Mother Earth.

Saturday 12 February

4.00pm to 5.00pm

Watch a Karate demonstration by the Kirkby Shotokan Karate Club.

How can I learn more about Gaia?

Gaia is created in partnership with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Bluedot and the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres with supporting partners Culture Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral.

Visit www.my-earth.org for more information and prepare to be amazed!

Images: Gaia, 2019 © W5, Belfast