LONDON:

From India to the US, universities across the world on January 17 celebrated the 800th birth anniversary of Cambridge University, ringing church bells in a synchronised salute to one of the world’s greatest institutions of learning.

In Cambridge the university rolled out grand celebration, including a spectacular light and bell-ringing show. Four churches in central Cambridge rang a new work for bells specially composed by Clare College alumnus Phil Earis.

The sound of bells celebrating the university’s octocentenary reverberated across the world as churches from the US to Australia joined in to mark the occasion. In India, bells rang out at St Paul’s Cathedral, Kol-kata, Sacred Heart Cathedral and St James’ Church in New Delhi, and St Mark’s Cathedral in Bangalore.

All Church of England bishops were asked to have churches in their diocese ring their bells along with the university and many agreed — even Lincoln College in rival Oxford University. St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne and Trinity Church on Wall Street in New York City both rang their bells.

Meanwhile, a Judge Business School applicant in Costa Rica offered to clatter kitchen utensils in his neighbourhood if he could not find a suitable substitute. A bell ringing group in Hong Kong joined in, as churches, college chapels and alumni groups worldwide were invited to participate. A specially-commissioned piece of light art was projected on to the Senate House and Old Schools of the university from Janaury 17-19 featuring iconic images from Cambridge’s history and stunning illustrations by Quentin Blake.

The light show was produced by world-renowned light artist Ross Ashton. A special feature of the show is the work of renowned illustrator and Downing College alumnus Quentin Blake, who has produced new drawings of two of the university’s most famous alumni — Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. — HNS