National Trust Ickworth Estate, near Bury St Edmunds, cancels giant sun sculpture display over bank holiday wekkend due to predicted wind speeds

A giant sun sculpture, expected to draw in the visitors, will not be displayed this bank holiday weekend, it has been announced.

Helios, created by Luke Jerram, arrived at the National Trust Ickworth Estate, near Bury St Edmunds, on Thursday and was available to view yesterday.

However, in a notice on its social media pages yesterday evening, National Trust Ixworth said: “Unfortunately, due to the predicted wind speeds for the rest of the weekend, Helios will not be on display as previously advertised.

“Ickworth Estate will be open as normal. Helios will return next Thursday 8 to Sunday 11, subject to weather conditions. Ticket holders will receive an email shortly.

“Additional evening openings for next week are being explored and details will be released soon.”

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.

The Trust said there are strict rules around wind speeds for displaying the sculpture.

A spokesperson confirmed the sculpture display has been cancelled on Saturday May 3, Sunday 4 and Monday 5,

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.”