A TOURING piece of artwork featuring a giant moon is heading to Bolton Priory, Bolton Abbey, for two weeks in October - and it will coincide with a series of thought-provoking lectures.

Museum of the Moon by artist Luke Jerram measures seven metres, or 23ft, in diameter and features detailed imagery of the lunar surface. The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones.

Internally lit, visitors are promised a view of the moon, including the dark side, as they have never seen it before.

The Priory church will be taking the opportunity to promote dialogue between science and religion with a a series of free lectures.

On Saturday, October 15, Dr Franziska Kohlt will discuss 'The Moon, the Microscope and Us'; and on Saturday October 22, Rev Dr Rodney Holder, will talk on 'God and the Big Bang'.

The Rev Prof David Wilkinson will discuss 'From the James Webb Telescope to Stephen Hawking: The search for God in cosmology’ on Saturday October 29.

The lectures will take place at Bolton Abbey Village Hall, next to the visitor car park, and all will start at 5pm. To attend, contact the rector on rector@boltonpriory.org.uk .

Each of the speakers will also preach at the 10.30am Sung Eucharist the day after their lecture. There is no need to book for the services.

The Museum of the Moon is at Bolton Priory between October 11 and October 31. Tickets must be pre-booked at: boltonabbey.com/whats-on/luke-jerrams-museum-of-the-moon/