St Paul’s Cathedral dome ‘set on fire’ ahead of Great Fire of London festival

London's burning: The dome of St Paul's was briefly turned a flickering orange on Thursday night
PA
Sebastian Mann31 August 2016

The iconic dome of St Paul's Cathedral was last night illuminated with a fiery projection for a festival of culture marking the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London.

Flames were projected onto the building in a rehearsal for a string of “London’s Burning” events commemorating the 1666 blaze.

The installation is the work of artist Martin Firrell. From dusk till 11pm every evening from Thursday to Sunday, St Paul’s as well as the National Theatre will be lit up like Londoners have never seen them before as part of a programme of events.

Other events taking place include the burning of a huge 120m wooden sculpture of Restoration London mimicking the carnage wrought 350 years ago.

Installation: Artist Martin Firrell is behind the dazzling projection
Rex

Designed by American artist David Best, the structure will be set ablaze on the Thames on Sunday from 6pm in spectacular scenes between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridge.

St Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was constructed as part of a huge building programme sparked by the devastation caused by the Great Fire.

It takes centre stage in the festival, organised by creative agency Artichoke, to emphasise the impact the blaze has had on London in the centuries since.

Find out more here.

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