Groups heading to Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland can once again experience a beautiful contemporary installation, this time by world-renowned composer Arvo Pärt, and UK designers Arup. ‘Memory & Light’, is a multi-sensory installation of music, light, colour, sound, texture, materials and forms, located in Belsay Hall’s wood-panelled library. It brings Pärt’s famous words from his Musical Diaries to life. Visitors can sit on a viewing and listening bench shaped like a violin or cello beside a transparent curved screen made from coloured Perspex® acrylic and shaped like a harp to experience the composer’s words and his music. 

Born in Estonia, 1935, Arvo Pärt is the most performed living composer in the world, whose life and music represent a drive for freedom and invention, against the odds. Belsay Hall has previously been the inspiration for new works by Thomas Heatherwick, Lord Foster, Paul Smith, Stella McCartney, singer Anthony Hegarty (ANOHNI) and in 2018, Turner Prize Winner, Susan Philipsz amongst others. ‘Memory and Light’ runs until early January 2020.

North-west of Newcastle, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is one of the most picturesque estates in the north east and offers plenty to see for a day out for groups. It boasts a ruined medieval castle enlarged into a Jacobean mansion, an imposing Greek revival villa and outstanding 30-acre Grade I listed gardens, famed for their magnificent magnolias and rhododendrons, formal and informal gardens and a romantic quarry garden. Pre-booked seasonal garden tours are available for a small additional charge. Belsay’s Victorian Kitchen Tearoom seats 50 and there is an onsite shop.  There is free parking for 4 pre-booked coaches on site.

To book group visits, call 01661 881636, email belsay.hall@english-heritage.org.uk or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/belsayhall