Last chance to see Mars sculpture in cathedral

People on the Isle of Man have a final chance to see Mars up close this weekend.

The installation Mars: From Imagination to Science by artist Luke Jerrum draws to a close on Monday at Cathedral Isle of Man in Peel.

The artwork featuring detailed NASA imagery has been on display since 7 February.

Lay preacher and event organiser Rosemary Clarke said about 11,000 people had so far been to see it prior to its final weekend and there had been a "general happy feel about it" from those who visited.

"It's certainly been a success and it's just so rewarding to see people come in," she said.

The exhibition is free to attend and the cathedral is open daily between 09:00 and 21:00 GMT.

The sculpture, has previously been exhibited in several UK locations, as well as in France, Singapore and the United States, followed on from a similar Moon display last year.

"We have had some people who didn't come to see the moon and who missed it and were sorry and were glad to come this time," Rosemary said.

"And then we've had people who've come because they saw the moon and they wanted to enjoy it."

She said while the bus drivers' strike had "decimated" the number of schools visits in the final week, some class groups had still managed to make it.

That was on top of the 800 pupils who saw it before the half-term break, she added.

A series of events has taken place at the cathedral to coincide with the exhibition, which allowed people to "learn a lot more about Mars", she said.

"It's been great to see the enthusiasm of people," she added.

Saturday

Free Talk for Children with Stuart Mullan of the Mars Society at 10:30

Sunday

Songs of Praise with young choristers and choral scholars at 15:30

Showcase of Ballroom dancing by young Manx dancers at 17:30

Monday

Big Table community lunch in the cathedral grounds from midday

Rosemary said plans were now underway to bring another installation by Luke Jerrum of the Sun to the cathedral next year.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.