Over 50,000 people visited Truro Cathedral to see Luke Jerram’s artwork Gaia suspended from the central crossing.  

The exhibition opened on October 6 and ran until October 28 - “an incredible three weeks”, according to chief operating officer Sean O’Neill.  

“We welcomed new visitors, built engagement, explored our heritage, raised awareness of climate change and generated much-needed income,” he said.  

“We brought an impressive artwork to the communities of Cornwall, covered our costs, and drove footfall and business to the centre of Truro. It was absolutely a success from every angle.” 

He continued: “I’ve never seen the cathedral as busy as it has been over the last few weeks. 

“It was lovely to see how people of all ages interacted with Gaia – there wasn’t an occasion where I was in the cathedral that someone wasn’t posing to hold the earth or balance it on their finger.  Now it’s gone, it feels like it does at home when you take your Christmas decorations down.”   

Associated events included a sold-out performance of Holst: The Planets, played on the Father Willis organ, which saw 500 people plunged into darkness aside from the illumination of the planet; and the Underworld silent disco charity event in support of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust.  

The Celestial Heights Tours, which had to be booked and prepaid, were especially popular and could have sold “five times over”.  

“Participants loved being in the cathedral roof space as much as looking upon Gaia from up high,” said Sean, adding: “Watch this space for news about roof tours in 2024.” 

Hundreds of personal pledges were made and hung on the popular Pledge Tree; these will be displayed in the cathedral soon.