Cathedrals are re-imagining their Advent and Christmas programmes to make sure they adhere to the latest Government and Public Health guidelines and bring something of the magic and mystery of the season to visitors and worshippers alike this Christmas.
Christmas is almost upon us.
Premier Christian Radio’s service for Christmas morning will come from Bradford Cathedral this year.
It is part of a full package of special events and services from Bradford Cathedral to spread comfort and joy this Advent and Christmas which has included its very own Bradvent calendar featuring daily activities, reflections, music and poetry. The star in the tower first created for the Church of England’s Follow the Star Campaign last year is back in place, there’s a crib for visitors to see in their State Gate and a Memory Christmas Tree near the pulpit where people can leave prayers and memories physically and here online.
You can hear readings and carols from Bradford at 10am on Christmas Day morning with a special Christmas message from the Dean, the Very Revd Jerry Lepine too.
Wells Cathedral have just held their first of four carol services and are getting ready for Christmas Eve, the busiest day of the year for their renowned choir with two Crib services, Evensong, Haphazard by Starlight service and Christmas night Eucharist. This year they used their annual Candlelight concert to raise funds for their Bounce Back Appeal set up in the wake of the coronavirus to help the cathedral continue its work and care for its heritage.
You can watch the concert here.
Portsmouth Cathedral has now moved into the newly created Tier 4, the highest level of restrictions. Communal public worship is still allowed, and the cathedral’s services will be continuing as planned with all the various coronavirus safety precautions already in place.
The cathedral aims to shine a light in the darkness this Advent and Christmas, bringing families around the city together safely for celebration and worship, several the Cathedral’s services continue to be streamed online including the Christmas Eve Carol Service with building of the crib at 6.30pm this Thursday. Throughout Advent, right through to Epiphany the Cathedral will post blogs and stories going behind the scenes, exploring their treasures, and meeting some of the people that make Christmas happen at the Cathedral including the 12 Days of Christmas online material.
You can read their blog here.
Coventry Cathedral has tweaked their Christmas offering this year to keep people safe. From Christmas Eve families can ‘Follow the Star’ trail over the Christmas period. This short family-friendly trail round the Cathedral enables you to explore the story of the birth of Jesus in their wonderful building.
Those who book free tickets will be given a special pack to help them get the most out of the experience. All tickets for Christmas Eve have now gone – but people are welcome to come and explore the trail during their normal opening hours (11 am to 3 pm) during the week after Christmas. No tickets are required.
You can also ice skate in your household on the outdoor ice rink in the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral until Sunday 10th Jan 2021.
Tickets start at just £5 (limited availability)
Click here to book your tickets.
Coventry Glides is created by Coventry City of Culture Trust in partnership with Coventry BID and Coventry Cathedral, with support from Coventry City Council.
