Gaia & Treasuring Creation Festival
Gaia represents this wonderful earth which Christians believe is a gift of God who calls us to be good stewards in co-operation with him and one another. In the breathtaking setting of the Abbey, the Treasuring Creation Festival will provide many and varied opportunities for celebration and for learning how we can better work together.”
Gaia By Luke Jerram
Bath Abbey is hosting Luke Jerram’s touring Gaia artwork as part of the Treasuring Creation Festival. Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface and provides the opportunity to see our planet floating in three-dimensions.
Gaia will be suspended underneath the tower in the centre of the Abbey, providing an awe-inspiring view as people enter the building. The artwork was previously on display at Wells Cathedral.
Gaia creates a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.
The artwork is 1.8 million times smaller than the real Earth with each centimetre of the internally lit sculpture describing 18km of the Earth’s surface.
A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning Composer Dan Jones will be played alongside the sculpture. In Greek Mythology Gaia is the personification of the Earth.
Gaia is only available to see during Abbey opening times. As an active working church in the community, at times the Abbey is closed for visiting. Please check before you visit for last minute variations.
Treasuring Creation Festival
The Treasuring Creation Festival brings together a full and varied programme of events for the duration of Gaia’s installation. Events include: Tours; Concerts; Art Exhibition; Teaching Series; Schools Programme; ‘Playful Planet’ Family Days & Activities Trail and Eco-crafting; Early Years sessions; Movement & Meditation Workshops.
There will also be a screening of the film Race for the Future by local film director James Levelle, who will be presenting the screening and taking questions afterwards.
Treasuring Creation Activities
There are a number of things to do throughout Gaia’s stay at the Abbey. The following activities are available for the duration of Gaia from 18th September – 29th October.
Gaia is only available to see during Abbey opening times. As an active working church in the community, at times the Abbey is closed for visiting. Please check before you visit for last minute variations.
Treasuring Creation Art Exhibition ExpandAn illuminating exhibition featuring details from the Abbey’s stained glass windows and diptychs from the Abbey’s collection.
Paired with a short commentary on the bible stories they represent, Revd Stephen Girling’s commentary shines a light on caring for the planet from a Christian perspective.
A must-see exhibition.
Available during opening times only.
Wonderful World Trail (Schools & Families) ExpandCome along to see Gaia and pick up a free trail from the Welcome Desk, or download here where you’ll find full details of school tours and eco-craft workshops. Available during opening times only.
Treasuring Earth Tour Expand
Join a tour of the Abbey from one of our friendly, knowledgeable guides and learn about the Gaia artwork and treasuring the Earth from a Christian perspective.
Available on the day of your visit. Subject to availability and opening times.
Stargazing & Planetarium Expand Our in-demand stargazing tours and planetarium evenings are back! Are you fascinated by the night sky? Would you like to spot planets and stars from the top of one of Bath’s historic buildings? Join us for live stargazing at the top of Bath Abbey’s tower with Bath astronomers. This space-ial evening gives you the chance to: • Travel through history as you ascend 212 steps* up the Abbey’s medieval towers, for a view across the city. Peer into deepest darkest space with the telescopes provided by Bath Astronomers. • Embark on a journey through space and time in the planetarium on the Abbey Floor.The Stargazing and Planetarium experience will be from 6pm, on the following dates:
- 22nd Sept
- 29th Sept
- 13th Oct
Tickets will be available via Eventbrite soon.
Treasuring Creation Events
With something for everyone, the Treasuring Creation Festival brings together exciting events together in one stunning location, including:
- Learn what organisations are doing to combat climate change for Extraordinary Earth Day
- Get involved in the ‘Playful Planet’ family trail and activities, such as craft days and parent-toddler sessions. (Look out for the ‘Playful Planet’ logo.)
- Watch the film ‘Race for the Future‘, with a Q&A by director James Levelle.
- Enjoy a tour of the Abbey, featuring the Gaia artwork by Luke Jerram
- And much more!
Playful Planet Events
All our events for carers, toddlers, families and school groups.
Download Wonderful World Children’s Trail 20 Sept 30 Sept 7 Oct 14 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 28 Oct 20 SeptFor 0-4 years and their carers.
Drama, singing, crafting and story time, inspired by Gaia.
Led by practitioner Holly Dabbs.
- 9.30 – 10.30: 45 mins – Children aged 2-4 years and their carer. Maximum number: 20.
- 11.00 – 12.00: 45 mins – Children who are under 2 and their carer. Maximum number: 20.
Location: the Abbey and its Learning room
Tickets: £5 per carer and child, available from Eventbrite.
30 Sept10.00 – 17.00
A day for residents, visitors and families to see what’s going on in Bath and region to help combat climate change and support the city in living more sustainably.
Documentary film maker and eco-champion James Levelle will open the day, followed by four speakers giving motivational talks.
Eco-group stalls, family activities, the Climate Choir and exhibitions of Abbey and student artwork, make for a wonderful all-round experience, leaving people better equipped to get involved.
Free with admission. No booking required.
10.00 – 16.00
Make a seed bomb to take away. Help brighten up a dull patch of ground with colourful plants!
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
7 Oct10.00 – 12.00
Space Planet mobiles. Decorate and combine all the planets in our amazing solar system for a colourful artwork to take home.
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
14 Oct10.00 – 12.00
Make a moving sealife puppet and add it to our giant seascape. Will you make a seahorse, a turtle or another creature?
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
18 OctFor 0-4 years and their carers.
Drama, singing, crafting and story time, inspired by Gaia.
Led by practitioner Holly Dabbs.
- 9.30 – 10.30: 45 mins – Children aged 2-4 years and their carer. Maximum number: 20.
- 11.00 – 12.00: 45 mins – Children who are under 2 and their carer. Maximum number: 20.
Location: the Abbey and its Learning room
Tickets: £5 per carer and child, available from Eventbrite.
21 OctMake animal masks! Our earth contains amazing creatures. Transform yourself into one of them by making a colourful mask to wear home.
10.00 – 12.00
Free with admission. No booking required.
23 OctMake yourself heard by creating a bold banner showing your thoughts and feelings about our Earth. You can add it to our public display in the Abbey’s Learning Room.
10.00 – 15.00
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
26 OctMake yourself heard by creating a bold banner showing your thoughts and feelings about our Earth. You can add it to our public display in the Abbey’s Learning Room.
10.00 – 15.00
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
28 OctMake yourself heard by creating a bold banner showing your thoughts and feelings about our Earth. You can add it to our public display in the Abbey’s Learning Room.
10.00 – 15.00
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
Playful Planet Logo
Treasuring Creation Festival Events
21 Sept 24 Sept 25 Sept 28 Sept 30 Sept 1 Oct 2 Oct 6 Oct 24 Oct 8 Oct 9 Oct 21 SeptPart of the Abbey’s ‘Treasuring Creation’ festival, this workshop will be taking place in the atmospheric setting of the Abbey, under Luke Jerram’s Gaia, a huge model of the Earth suspended beneath the tower.
Led by Olivia Shone, founder of Meaningful Meditation & Yoga in Bath, Olivia will use both gentle movement exercises, and meditation in the tradition of Christian spirituality, to create a space for spiritual awareness and mental well-being.
Please bring a floormat if you have one.
24 SeptThe speaker on 24th Sept will be from the Christian conservation charity, Arocha UK.
The theme of treasuring creation will be reflected in the music, prayers and teaching of all morning services.
Free with admission. No booking required.
25 SeptAbbey Missioner Revd Stephen Girling will be speaking about the Christian understanding of creation as a work of God, and the responsibility for stewardship of the earth’s resources.
13.00 – 13.30
Free with admission. No booking required.
28 SeptSit back and contemplate our Blue Planet whilst being immersed in wonderful music inspired by planet Earth.
The backdrop to this fantastic concert is the extraordinary Gaia installation hanging in the centre of Bath Abbey. With the chance to sit and contemplate our Blue Planet whilst being immersed in wonderful music, we will take you on an incredible journey inspired by nature.
From the BBC series Blue Planet by George Fenton to the Four Seasons by four different composers Einaudi, Richter, Piazzolla and Vivaldi. Whilst the timeless Spiegel im Spiegel by Arvo Part and Tundra by Ole Gjeilo gives you space to meditate in this unique concert that perhaps transports you to an out of Planet experience!
Starts at 19.30.
30 Sept10.00 – 17.00
A day for residents, visitors and families to see what’s going on in Bath and region to help combat climate change and support the city in living more sustainably.
Documentary film maker and eco-champion James Levelle will open the day, followed by four speakers giving motivational talks.
Eco-group stalls, family activities, the Climate Choir and exhibitions of Abbey and student artwork, make for a wonderful all-round experience, leaving people better equipped to get involved.
In our Learning Room, families can make wildflower seed bombs to take away.
Free with admission. No booking required.
1 Oct
The theme of treasuring creation will be reflected in the music, prayers and teaching of all morning services.
Free with admission. No booking required.
2 OctAbbey Missioner Revd Stephen Girling will be speaking about the Christian understanding of creation as a work of God, and the responsibility for stewardship of the earth’s resources.
13.00 – 13.30
Free with admission. No booking required.
6 OctAn evocative and mesmerising concert with the Abbey choirs under Luke Jerram’s Gaia. Music will include ‘And I saw a new heaven, and a new earth’ by Bainton, ‘O sing unto the Lord a new song’ by James MacMillan, ‘Seek him that maketh the seven stars’ by Jonathan Dove, all complemented by poetry and scripture readings on a creation theme.
A promenade concert (with no chairs) will be an uplifting experience, allowing audience members to gaze in contemplation of the earth and the heavens. Enjoy an inspiring evening of music and words within a beautifully lit Abbey.
A bar will be available until the start of the performance which will last for about one hour. Chairs will be available for those unable to stand.
Tickets will be available from Bath Box Office.
24 Oct‘Race for the Future’ will be showing in the atmospheric setting of the Abbey, under Luke Jerram’s Gaia, a huge model of the Earth suspended beneath the tower.
Inspired by the next generation’s efforts to make their voices heard in the climate emergency, film director and Bath local, James Levelle, set off from the UK on a 9000-mile race to document youth climate messages and deliver them in a film to the United Nations climate conference in Chile.
An inspiring and challenging film to help us listen to young voices, James will introduce the film and be available for questions afterwards.
The film is suitable for 12+.
A bar will be available.
19.30 – 21.30 (Doors open at 19.00)
£5 per person
8 OctThe theme of treasuring creation will be reflected in the music, prayers and teaching of all morning services.
Free with admission. No booking required.
9 OctAbbey Missioner Revd Stephen Girling will be speaking about the Christian understanding of creation as a work of God, and the responsibility for stewardship of the earth’s resources.
13.00 – 13.30
Free with admission. No booking required.
Featured Events
Playful Planet
Wonderful World Trail
Early Years Fun for parents and toddlers
Family Eco-Crafting
Museum’s Week Craft Activities
Extraordinary Earth Day
Discover how local areas are helping to care for our wonderful Earth, with family activities, talks and more!
- Eco-groups • The young people’s voice • Knowing your carbon footprint • The conservation challenge
- Greenpeace • Extinction Rebellion • Transition Bath • Share & Repair • And many more!
Includes Playful Planet family activities.
Have you heard about Bath Children’s Literature Festival, taking place during the Treasuring Creation Festival?
Events
Services
Learning
Visiting
20 Sept 21 Sept 24 Sept 25 Sept 28 Sept 30 Sept 2 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 14 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 23 Oct 24 Oct 26 Oct 28 Oct 1 Oct 8 Oct 9 Oct 20 SeptFor 0-4 years and their carers.
Drama, singing, crafting and story time, inspired by Gaia.
Led by practitioner Holly Dabbs.
- 9.30 – 10.30: 45 mins – Children aged 2-4 years and their carer. Maximum number: 20.
- 11.00 – 12.00: 45 mins – Children who are under 2 and their carer. Maximum number: 20.
Location: the Abbey and its Learning room
Tickets will be available from Eventbrite.
21 SeptPart of the Abbey’s ‘Treasuring Creation’ festival, this workshop will be taking place in the atmospheric setting of the Abbey, under Luke Jerram’s Gaia, a huge model of the Earth suspended beneath the tower.
Led by Olivia Shone, founder of Meaningful Meditation & Yoga in Bath, Olivia will use both gentle movement exercises, and meditation in the tradition of Christian spirituality, to create a space for spiritual awareness and mental well-being.
Please bring a floormat if you have one.
24 SeptThe speaker on 24th Sept will be from the Christian conservation charity, Arocha UK.
The theme of treasuring creation will be reflected in the music, prayers and teaching of all morning services.
Free with admission. No booking required.
25 SeptAbbey Missioner Revd Stephen Girling will be speaking about the Christian understanding of creation as a work of God, and the responsibility for stewardship of the earth’s resources.
13.00 – 13.30
Free with admission. No booking required.
28 SeptSit back and contemplate our Blue Planet whilst being immersed in wonderful music inspired by planet Earth.
The backdrop to this fantastic concert is the extraordinary Gaia installation hanging in the centre of Bath Abbey. With the chance to sit and contemplate our Blue Planet whilst being immersed in wonderful music, we will take you on an incredible journey inspired by nature.
From the BBC series Blue Planet by George Fenton to the Four Seasons by four different composers Einaudi, Richter, Piazzolla and Vivaldi. Whilst the timeless Spiegel im Spiegel by Arvo Part and Tundra by Ole Gjeilo gives you space to meditate in this unique concert that perhaps transports you to an out of Planet experience!
Starts at 19.30.
30 Sept10.00 – 17.00
A day for residents, visitors and families to see what’s going on in Bath and region to help combat climate change and support the city in living more sustainably.
Documentary film maker and eco-champion James Levelle will open the day, followed by four speakers giving motivational talks.
Eco-group stalls, family activities, the Climate Choir and exhibitions of Abbey and student artwork, make for a wonderful all-round experience, leaving people better equipped to get involved.
Free with admission. No booking required.
10.00 – 16.00
Make a seed bomb to take away. Help brighten up a dull patch of ground with colourful plants!
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
2 OctAbbey Missioner Revd Stephen Girling will be speaking about the Christian understanding of creation as a work of God, and the responsibility for stewardship of the earth’s resources.
13.00 – 13.30
Free with admission. No booking required.
6 OctAn evocative and mesmerising concert with the Abbey choirs under Luke Jerram’s Gaia. Music will include ‘And I saw a new heaven, and a new earth’ by Bainton, ‘O sing unto the Lord a new song’ by James MacMillan, ‘Seek him that maketh the seven stars’ by Jonathan Dove, all complemented by poetry and scripture readings on a creation theme.
A promenade concert (with no chairs) will be an uplifting experience, allowing audience members to gaze in contemplation of the earth and the heavens. Enjoy an inspiring evening of music and words within a beautifully lit Abbey.
A bar will be available until the start of the performance which will last for about one hour. Chairs will be available for those unable to stand.
Tickets will be available from Bath Box Office.
7 Oct10.00 – 12.00
Space Planet mobiles. Decorate and combine all the planets in our amazing solar system for a colourful artwork to take home.
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
14 OctParent & Toddler Group
10.00 – 12.00
Make a moving sealife puppet and add it to our giant seascape. Will you make a seahorse, a turtle or another creature?
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
18 OctEarly Years Fun for 0-4 years and their carers under Gaia.
Led by practitioner Holly Dabb. Drama, singing, crafting and story time, inspired by Gaia.
- 9.30 – 10.30
- 11.00 – 12.00
Make animal masks! Our earth contains amazing creatures. Transform yourself into one of them by making a colourful mask to wear home.
10.00 – 12.00
Free with admission. No booking required.
23 OctMake yourself heard by creating a bold banner showing your thoughts and feelings about our Earth. You can add it to our public display in the Abbey’s Learning Room.
10.00 – 15.00
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
24 Oct‘Race for the Future’ will be showing in the atmospheric setting of the Abbey, under Luke Jerram’s Gaia, a huge model of the Earth suspended beneath the tower.
Inspired by the next generation’s efforts to make their voices heard in the climate emergency, film director and Bath local, James Levelle, set off from the UK on a 9000-mile race to document youth climate messages and deliver them in a film to the United Nations climate conference in Chile.
An inspiring and challenging film to help us listen to young voices, James will introduce the film and be available for questions afterwards.
The film is suitable for 12+.
A bar will be available.
19.30 – 21.30 (Doors open at 19.00)
£5 per person
26 OctMake yourself heard by creating a bold banner showing your thoughts and feelings about our Earth. You can add it to our public display in the Abbey’s Learning Room.
10.00 – 15.00
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
28 OctMake yourself heard by creating a bold banner showing your thoughts and feelings about our Earth. You can add it to our public display in the Abbey’s Learning Room.
10.00 – 15.00
Located in Bath Abbey’s Learning Room.
Free with admission. No booking required.
Playful Planet Logo
1 OctThe theme of treasuring creation will be reflected in the music, prayers and teaching of all morning services.
Free with admission. No booking required.
8 OctThe theme of treasuring creation will be reflected in the music, prayers and teaching of all morning services.
Free with admission. No booking required.
9 OctAbbey Missioner Revd Stephen Girling will be speaking about the Christian understanding of creation as a work of God, and the responsibility for stewardship of the earth’s resources.
13.00 – 13.30
Free with admission. No booking required.