English cathedral to install giant slide

The temporary attraction will appear in the western end of the Nave at Norwich Cathedral between 7th and 18th August 2019 as part of a special exhibition called Seeing It Differently.

Rev Canon Andy Bryant, Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care, said: “A cathedral may not be the natural home of a helter skelter but that is precisely part of the draw.

 

“We will be doing what cathedrals have always done: helping people see things differently and make connections with the things of God.”

Guests are being promised “unique” views from the slide of the historic cathedral which boasts a medieval roof depicting Biblical scenes.

 

Rev Bryant added: “The helter skelter and all the other activities will be a way for visitors old and new to explore Norwich Cathedral in an entirely unique way and we hope people of all ages will enjoy taking part…”

During the special event, visitors will be able to lie down on yoga mats in the east end of the nave and admire the cathedral’s 69ft-high ceiling.

 

A blindfolded trail will challenge people to navigate a special route around Norwich Cathedral, using their senses of hearing and touch.

One local resident told the Daily Mail said: “It is basically dumbing down our faith? Whatever next – goldfish in the font so kids can feed them?”

In an apparently sarcastic response, a reader told the Eastern Daily Press newspaper: “Coming soon. Market stalls in the aisle and money-lending, at variable rates, from the chancel.”

 

Last year, Premier reported how Peterborough Cathedral allowed a BMW dealership to showcase cars at its building.

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Staff at an English cathedral hope installing a 40ft helter skelter will “open up new conversations about faith” and ensure visitor numbers do not spiral downwards.