Selby Abbey will be seen in a new light when the spectacular Pilgrim Illumination, by acclaimed artist Nayan Kulkarni, lights up the abbey for three nights from Friday 22 November to Sunday 24 November.

The interactive artwork is the highlight of Selby District Council's contribution to Selby 950, the Abbey's celebration of the 950th anniversary of its founding, with concerts, events and activities that have been well supported by local people and visitors alike.

Council lead executive member with responsibility for housing, health and culture, Cllr Chris Pearson, commented: “We’ve seen such great support for the Selby 950 events over the last six months and this event is set to be hugely popular. The event will allow people to see and interact with the abbey in a completely new way.

“As the nights draw in, this event will allow our Abbey to shine more brightly than ever before. It will be a kaleidoscopic, shape shifting event that will delight and bring together the community.”

For 2019, the District Council has invested £50,000 to deliver a programme of arts and heritage events to celebrate the 950th anniversary of the founding of Selby Abbey. This event is made possible by sponsorship from Drax Group Plc and money raised by National Lottery players. Arts Council England has awarded significant funding from their National Lottery Project Grants programme, to Selby District Council to deliver a programme of arts and heritage events to celebrate the 950th anniversary of the founding of Selby Abbey.

Nayan has been filming for the installation at locations including Drax, local wind farms and Selby Lock. He’s also visited Selby College to speak to young art students about this installation as well as his other projects, including the acclaimed Blade installation which was part of Hull City of Culture in 2017.

Vicar of Selby Abbey the Revd Canon John Weetman said, "Having been privileged to preview some of the artistic and creative processes that have gone into Nayan Kulkarni's visionary concept for 'Pilgrim', I'm eagerly anticipating how the finished work will show the Abbey and its surrounding Yorkshire landscape in a new and inspirational light.

"People will see Selby Abbey as never before and it will be another amazing way to celebrate our 950th year."

  • In order to make the event accessible, an Accessible Viewing Area will be available on the Market Place for each of the three nights with space for wheelchairs and seated spaces for those with limited mobility. On Saturday 23rd November, Selby Park Car Park will be reserved for accessible/Blue Badge parking and Mobiloo will be present, providing an accessible toilet with adult-sized changing bench and hoist. No tickets are required for the event. Pilgrim takes place on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November from 6.00pm until 9.00pm each evening.

Selby District Council

Selby Abbey