Remarkably the inclement weather did not dampen the spirits of our business partners and over one hundred guests at the recent viewing of Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon. The response to this event, as with all events, associated with Festival of the Moon was enthusiastic.
One year on from launching corporate partnerships at Winchester Cathedral, it was timely to thank the eight businesses that have joined us in the last year and for them to invite guests from the business community to experience a unique event here.
Organized and hosted by the Development Team, this was an opportunity to make new introductions and an invitation was extended to include business owners from around the city through Winchester BID. Clare Lean (Corporate Partnership Manager) worked with Winchester Cathedral Events, who created and expertly served a menu of moon inspired canapes and cocktails to showcase our hospitality.
Guests familiar with the cathedral nave were surprised to see the transformation. In place of the chairs were cocktail tables decorated with lit floral arrangements (thank you to the cathedral flower arrangers) and guests were treated to exquisite accompaniment by pianist and cathedral sub-organist Claudia Grinell. The animated conversation paused as Canon Roly Riem welcomed everyone and conveyed how as a working cathedral, we have a constant programme of repair and restoration, remarking on the hoardings that surround our 12th century Font as we begin the much-needed repairs to damage and to last year’s organ restoration.
The screens switched to show Claudia at the organ who demonstrated the immense power and beauty of this instrument, much like the moon beneath which guests mingled. For some this was the first visit to the Cathedral, and hopefully it gave some insight into how we collaborate as a team, and partner with businesses and artists to create immersive events such as this one.
