Giant sun sculpture arrives to Ickworth Estate, near Bury St Edmunds, as part of national tour

Visitors to Ickworth Estate can now get a close-up glimpse of the sun as a giant sculpture makes a stop in Suffolk during its national tour.

Helios, created by Luke Jerram, has been installed at the National Trust estate, near Bury St Edmunds, and will be on display from today until Monday and again from next Thursday until Sunday.

The sculpture, which measures 7-metres in diameter, combines the sound of the sun created by NASA and can be found in front of Ickworth’s Rotunda.

Helios’ arrival marks its first visit to Suffolk and the first time it will be exhibited outside.

Abbi Lang, experiences and visitor programming manager at Ickworth, said: “We have chosen a location at Ickworth that will be the most impactful, while at the same time enables easy access to see Helios.

“The Rotunda backdrop will highlight Luke’s incredible work while showcasing Ickworth in the way it was always intended, as a canvas for art and innovation.”

Helios is lit from within and its surface incorporates solar imagery.

Luke, who is also behind exhibitions of the moon and the earth, said: “We all know it is very dangerous to look directly at the sun as it can damage our eyesight.

“Helios provides a safe opportunity to the public to get up close to and inspect its extraordinary detailed surface.

“I hope the soundscape, lighting and sheer scale will combine to make an extraordinary and uplifting experience for the public.”

It is a ticketed event and free but normal admission charges apply. Click here for times and tickets.

Visitors can view Helios from all angles and the installation is accessible for all, with a step-free route leading in front and directly underneath the giant sculpture.