Helios – Under The Sun

Sunday, March 29th, 2026 Helios Sun by Luke Jerram

As winter begins to fade and the days grow longer, Dorchester welcomes a celebration that feels perfectly timed with the changing season.

Under The Sun is a vibrant, town-wide festival inspired by light, warmth and creativity, bringing together art, movement, music and community in a way that feels both uplifting and deeply engaging.

Designed to brighten the early days of spring, the festival invites locals and visitors to explore something new and reconnect with the town through a shared sense of energy and creativity.

If you are looking for something to experience this March that combines nature and creativity, here is everything you need to know.

Why Under The Sun Matters

At its heart, Under The Sun is about celebrating light in all its forms. After the quieter winter months, the festival creates a special moment for Dorchester, offering experiences that encourage movement, creativity and connection.

It is also a reflection of what makes Dorchester special. A town that blends heritage with contemporary culture, where independent creatives, wellness practitioners and performers come together to create something meaningful for the community.

Catch the festival happening from Tuesday, 24th March – Monday, 6th April

Explore the full festival overview here: https://discoverdorchester.co.uk/whats-on/catch-the-sun/

Helios by Luke Jerram

The standout centrepiece of the festival is Helios, a breathtaking illuminated artwork by Luke Jerram. In partnership with Dorchester Town Council, this large-scale installation brings the sun indoors, offering a detailed and atmospheric representation that is both educational and visually striking.

It is a moment of calm and wonder within the festival, encouraging visitors to slow down and take it all in.

Read about the full schedule and learn more here.

Catch the Sun

This opening celebration sets the tone for the entire festival. Expect a welcoming atmosphere that draws people into the spirit of Under The Sun, encouraging exploration across Dorchester’s cultural spaces.

Workshops & Experiences

The festival places a strong focus on creativity, giving visitors the opportunity to take part rather than simply observe.
Scripts Under the Sun (Workshop)

A guided writing workshop filled with creativity and storytelling. It is an opportunity to explore ideas, develop writing skills and be inspired by the theme of light and renewal.

Following the workshop, this event brings words to life through performance. Expect an engaging showcase of storytelling shaped by the festival’s themes.

Icarus: Drawing Under the Sun

Monday 30th March 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Icarus: Drawing Under the Sun offers a unique evening of immersive life drawing inspired by the myth of Icarus. The human urge to fly, to risk and to reach too close to the sun.

Set beneath the glowing seven-metre Sun, the session is carefully staged with handmade wings, atmospheric lighting and music, creating a striking, narrative-led subject to draw from. It becomes less about technique and more about observation, interpretation and shared creative experience.

Led by Alex Cree, with staging by theatre-maker Penny Levick, the workshop brings a sense of theatre and storytelling into the drawing process. No prior experience is needed, only curiosity and a willingness to try something different.

Music Under the Sun

Live music brings an uplifting energy to the festival, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. It is the perfect way to enjoy Dorchester’s creative scene while soaking in the spirit of spring.

Join Dorchestra, Dorchester’s community orchestra, the Cloud 9 Choir and the Quangle Wangle Choir for an evening of sun-themed music and song under Helios.

Movement Under the Sun: Family Yoga with Sharon Cox Button

Tuesday 31st March 5:00pm – 5:45pm

A gentle and inclusive session to bring your family together through movement, sound and relaxation, all inspired by the warmth and energy of the sun.

This experience goes beyond a typical yoga class, creating a calming and immersive environment where both you and your children can slow down, connect and enjoy mindful movement together.

Each session is accompanied by the soothing sounds of gong and crystal bowls, played by Arianna Puran Udini, adding a deeply relaxing element to the experience.

Sharon, Tim and Arianna all teach at Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre, bringing a wealth of experience and a thoughtful, welcoming approach to each Movement Under the Sun session.

Qi Gong with Tim Button

Tuesday 31st March 6:00pm – 7:00pm

This calming session introduces the traditional qigong routine known as Ba Duan Jin, a sequence of gentle movements designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

Accessible to most people, the practice focuses on slow, controlled movement combined with breath and awareness. Physically, it helps improve balance, flexibility and overall energy. Mentally, the need for concentration and focus offers a welcome break from everyday thoughts and distractions.

It is a simple yet effective way to reset, slow down and reconnect with both body and mind in a peaceful, guided setting under the sun.

Learn more about the Movement Under the Season session.

A Festival That Brings Dorchester Together

Come and celebrate Dorchester’s creative spirit Under The Sun this Spring at the Corn Exchange, where art offers something for everyone, from immersive art workshops and live music to hands-on workshops and wellness sessions.

Whether you choose to spend an afternoon exploring an installation, take part in a workshop, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, the festival offers a chance to experience the town in a fresh and meaningful way under the centerpeice sun.

As the season shifts and the light returns, Under The Sun feels like the perfect way to welcome spring in Dorchester.

Under the Sun / Helios in Dorchester FAQs

What is Helios by Luke Jerram?
Helios is a large-scale art installation by Luke Jerram that represents the Sun. The seven-metre sculpture is internally lit and features highly detailed imagery of the Sun’s surface, created using real solar photography and scientific data. (Old Royal Naval College)

Where is the Helios installation in Dorchester?
Helios is being exhibited at Dorchester Arts in Dorchester, Dorset, as part of its UK touring programme.

When is Helios on display in Dorchester?
Helios is on display from Saturday 28 March to Monday 6 April. Visitors are encouraged to check the event schedule for special evening experiences and additional programming.

How big is the Helios artwork?
Helios measures approximately seven metres in diameter, making it a striking centrepiece within the venue. At a scale of around 1:200 million, each centimetre represents thousands of kilometres of the Sun’s surface. (Old Royal Naval College)

What makes Helios unique?
Helios combines art, science, and sound into one immersive experience. The installation includes:

Detailed NASA-based solar imagery
A surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson
A realistic sense of scale and texture of the Sun
This creates a powerful, multi-sensory experience designed to inspire awe and curiosity. (Old Royal Naval College)

Is Helios suitable for children and families?
Yes, Helios is suitable for all ages. The installation is both educational and visually engaging, making it ideal for families, school groups, and anyone interested in space, science, or art.

How long does it take to experience Helios?
Most visitors spend 20–40 minutes experiencing Helios, although you can stay longer to fully enjoy the atmosphere, soundscape, and accompanying events.

Are there special events or evening experiences?
Yes, Helios often includes a programme of special events, such as:

Evening viewings
Wellbeing sessions
Talks and immersive experiences
Check the official event page for the latest schedule.

Why is the installation called “Helios”?
The name “Helios” comes from the ancient Greek sun god, symbolising light, life, and time. The artwork reflects the Sun’s importance to life on Earth and human culture. (Old Royal Naval College)

Is Helios part of a wider series of artworks?
Yes, Helios follows a series of astronomical installations by Luke Jerram, including: