A huge stained-glass inspired artwork honouring The Vicar of Dibley has been revealed at the original filming location of the beloved sitcom, marking its 30th anniversary.
The artwork, unveiled by Reverend Kate Bottley in the churchyard of ‘St Barnabas’ – the fictional church from the show, features iconic moments and best jokes from the series. The installation, designed in a billboard style, will be on display temporarily before being gifted to a devoted superfan of the show.
Measuring 15ft by 6ft, the stained-glass effect artwork recreates the look of sunlight shining through a church window. It showcases a selection of famous scenes from The Vicar of Dibley, as voted by the British public. The installation includes over 20 ‘Easter Eggs’ referencing the show’s 30-year history, providing a challenge for even the most dedicated fans.
The most popular moment from The Vicar of Dibley, according to the British audience, is Geraldine Granger’s memorable tumble into a puddle. Following closely behind is the Christmas Lunch mishap and Alice’s confusion over butter substitutes, making up the top three moments depicted in the artwork.
The stained-glass inspired installation was commissioned to commemorate the 30th anniversary of The Vicar of Dibley, which can be watched on U&GOLD on Sundays in November, with all episodes available on demand.
Despite three decades passing since its debut, The Vicar of Dibley remains a firm favourite among Brits. The show’s humour, characters, and heartwarming atmosphere are cited as the key reasons for its enduring popularity.
Geraldine Granger is the most beloved character from the series, followed by Alice Tinker and Jim Trott. Brits appreciate Geraldine’s humour, wit, and her ability to challenge stereotypes, earning her the title of a ‘comedy icon’.
Reverend Kate Bottley, the broadcaster who presented the special billboard outside the fictional St Barnabas church, expressed her joy at celebrating the show’s milestone anniversary. She described The Vicar of Dibley as a source of fun, wisdom, and laughter for the past three decades.
Gerald Casey from U&GOLD shared his excitement about honouring The Vicar of Dibley’s 30th anniversary with the unique stained-glass window. He reflected on the impact of Geraldine’s arrival in the village, acknowledging her ability to win over both the residents of Dibley and the nation as a whole.
Fans can catch The Vicar of Dibley on U&GOLD throughout November, with Christmas specials extending the 30th-anniversary celebrations into December.
