The two-metre-wide art installation, titled Asteroidea, will be displayed against the east window of Salthouse Church, marking its return after a 23-year absence.
The piece was created in 2003 by artists Margie Britz and Liz McGowan as part of a group exhibition and was designed to evoke the same wonder people feel when gazing at the night sky.
Asteroidea at night (Image: Supplied)
Ms Britz said: “We took starfish from the bottom of the sea and threw them up into the air as a galaxy.
“Gazing at the stars inspires a sense of awe, and the artists want viewers to experience that awe in relation to these extraordinary sea creatures, along with their unique chalk reef habitat.”
The title, Asteroidea, is the scientific term for starfish, derived from the Greek words ‘aster’ (star) and ‘eidos’ (like).
Starfish are ancient creatures that predate dinosaurs and have survived five mass extinctions.
Asteroidea, a 2 meter diameter galaxy of starfish (Image: Supplied)
The installation was created using starfish collected from beaches between Holkham and Weybourne, often stranded by a mix of strong winds and high tides.
A programme of events will accompany the exhibition.
It begins with a solstice opening event on Sunday, June 21, from 8.30pm to 10.30pm.
Asteroidea will be hung against the east window of Salthouse Church (Image: Supplied)
At dusk, storyteller Hugh Lupton will share the story of Orion, accompanied by improvised sound, projection, and voice from the group Aether.
On Sunday, June 28, divers Rob Spray and Dawn Watson will give an illustrated talk on the Norfolk chalk reef, exploring the lives of starfish and offering a seaweed pressing activity.
For the June 28 talk, entry is £5 for adults, with children admitted free.
Booking is required for most events by emailing margiecbritz@gmail.com.
Attendees are encouraged to bring cash for refreshments.