At a glance
We are currently upgrading our lighting, sound and audio-visual systems across the Cathedral to enhance every visit for generations to come.
The lighting upgrade is being undertaken in tandem with the installation of the new sound equipment as both systems are linked. Both have reached the end of their life and no longer meet our needs for services or for our wide range of concerts and events.
Project status
Last updated 23 September 2026
We’re currently in the early stages of this project. Our existing sound system has reached the end of its life and is no longer meeting the needs of our services and events. The lighting upgrade is being done in tandem as both systems are currently linked.
How will this benefit our community?
- Clarity of sound for services, choirs and events
- Warm, energy-efficient lighting complementing our historic architecture and lowering our carbon footprint
- Enhanced accessibility and improved livestreams
How long will this work last?
Work is ongoing until summer 2027. We appreciate your patience while this exciting work takes place.
Will this work affect my visit?
The Cathedral will be open as usual to our valued visitors during this project. Often, the work will be taking place out of sight and will be very quiet. You may notice temporary diversions within the Nave itself – for example, parts of the centre Nave or aisles may be cordoned off while work takes place.
Occasionally, the MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) will be in use – a tall, mobile platform reaching high into the Cathedral’s magnificent vault and is quite something to witness. When in use, it may beep as it’s moved into position, but it operates quietly as it is electric.
It is a visible reminder that Exeter Cathedral is a living, evolving space, and you’re visiting at a moment when we’re investing in its future. The platform allows our teams to work safely at height, installing the sophisticated lighting and sound systems that will serve the Cathedral for decades to come. It’s an opportunity to see the Cathedral being cared for and renewed – part of the ongoing story of this nearly 1,000-year-old building.
Who is funding this project?
This project is being generously funded by The Friends of Exeter Cathedral – a charitable organisation founded in 1929 to work alongside the Dean and Chapter in helping to preserve and improve the fabric and furnishings of Exeter Cathedral. The Friends play an invaluable part in ensuring that the long tradition of worship, praise and community activity continues well into the future. If you would like to help preserve Exeter Cathedral for generations to come, you can become a member of The Friends from £15/year, with benefits including and not limited to free access to the Cathedral for you and a guest and 10% off at the Cathedral Shop and Café.
Click here to find out more about, donate to or join The Friends of Exeter Cathedral >
How does this project fit within the wider development work?
This project is a continuation of a series of development projects under the broad heading of The 2020s vision, Investing In Our Welcome. Previous phases have included the creation of a new Treasures Exhibition, Cloister Gallery and Shop. Major work was the refurbishment of the Chapter House to become the Café, new heating, lighting, sound and floor in the Quire and East End as well as new toilet facilities, lifts and an electrical sub-station.
As part of the new developments cleaning, conservation works have been undertaken at the same time together with re-servicing of heating and electrical systems, as well as new lighting and AV installations. These have taken place in the Chapter House, the new Cloister Gallery, Pearson Building and most parts of the East End of the Cathedral. The lighting and AV systems in all of these areas have been designed as part of a coordinated building-wide design for lighting, sound and video systems. This project, referred to as the Light & Sound Renewal, includes the installation of lighting and sound in the nave, nave aisles, transepts and the chapels of the East End not completed in previous works. The project will facilitate the “global” nature of these systems to be completed. This will allow all of the lighting and AV to be controlled from one single point of operation for the first time.