Renew your vows under Gaia in Valentine's Day culture year event

Married couples who mean the world to each other are being invited to renew their vows – under artist Luke Jerram’s Gaia.

The mass renewal of vows service will take place at St Chad’s in Kirkby on Valentine’s Day.

Anyone who was originally married in the 150-year-old stone church in Old Hall Lane is eligible to be involved in the special event which is part of Knowsley Borough of Culture celebrations.

Gaia, a giant illuminated installation with a special soundscape, is coming to the venue in January. When the stunning artwork was staged in Liverpool Cathedral in 2019 it attracted tens of thousands of visitors.

Along with the special renewal of vows event on February 14, there will be musical performances of romantic operatic love songs and wedding cake.

St Chad's. Photo by Gavin Trafford.

St Chad’s vicar, the Rev Philippa Lea, said: “This year we’re celebrating the 150th anniversary of St Chad's Church and remembering that there has been a centre for Christian worship on the same site for many hundreds of years.

“Through this time there have been countless weddings celebrated here, including the ancestors of many living in Kirkby today.

“We’re incredibly proud of the role St Chad’s has played in the lives of many generations and we'd love couples of all different ages to come together to celebrate their own marriages and all the marriages that have begun in this place over the centuries.”

Steve Rotheram and Rev Philippa Lea in St Chad's. Photo by Gavin Trafford

And Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, who himself was married in St Chad’s, added: “There is a vast array of cultural events taking place in Knowsley in 2022 as part of the area’s year as Borough of Culture. This is perhaps the most unique.

“As a Kirkby lad, I know of hundreds of people who have tied the knot in St Chad’s over the years – including myself and my wife Sandra back in 1989.

“After everything we’ve been through in the last 18 months, I’m certain there are many couples out there who would jump at the chance to do something a bit different next Valentine’s Day – and this is the perfect opportunity.”

Anyone who was married at St Chads and would like to be involved in the Valentine’s Day event should visit the Borough of Culture website HERE or call 0151 443 5353 for an application form.

Gaia is at St Chad’s from January 28 to February 17.