Silent poppy drops, the toll of our bells, an online quiet day for reflection, a light and sound digital art installation, services of remembrance, reflective music, knitted poppies and marking the silence … cathedrals invite people to come and honour those who have given their lives for the freedom of others in this season of Remembrance.
Join us this Remembrance Tide
Everyone is invited to join us at any of our services or events. Our cathedrals are open for people to come to pray, light a candle or just sit quietly.
Durham Cathedral will host the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday 11 November, for an evening of commemoration, music and spoken word. The festival culminates with the poignant Muster and Act of Remembrance when thousands of poppies will fall silently inside the cathedral from the central tower.
This year’s festival will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, a conflict that is very close to the people of County Durham, and the County’s links to the Durham Light Infantry (DLI).
Nearly 60,000 British combat troops saw active service in the war; 1,100 never returned, including 24 from the DLI.
The programme for this year’s concert features a range of singers, performers and guest speakers, including music from Band of Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the Pipes and Drums of 102 Battalion REME.
The Revd Canon Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham said:
“Remembering all those affected by war and conflict is part of the regular heartbeat of prayer and worship at Durham Cathedral, and the current news from Ukraine and the Middle East is a further reminder to do just that.
“The Festival of Remembrance is a precious opportunity to honour the sacrifice of so many who have served our country, and also to support the important work of the Army Benevolent Fund.
“The 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, invites us to remember the ongoing instability in that part of the world, and reminds us in this generation that the cause of peace and justice is one that, under God, needs ongoing energy and prayer.”
Durham will also host an Online Quiet Day this Saturday (4 November) about the season of remembrance and in particular, acts of remembrance, remembrance Sunday and the Festival of Remembrance at Durham Cathedral. The question behind the theme is why and how. With two guest speakers.
More information here.
There will be silence for poppy falls as part of Remembrance Services at both Ely and Truro cathedrals too.
Ely will also light up its tower with a poppy image
All the Remembrance services at Ely Cathedral can be found here.
In Truro, people will be encouraged to plant a cross in the Garden of Remembrance which will be blessed this Sunday (5 November) after morning service.
The railings around Winchester Cathedral are covered in knitted poppies thanks to a local woman, Sue Butcher, who chairs the women’s section of the Winchester branch of the Royal British Legion. Her grandfather fought in the First World War and she has been coordinating the displays around the city since 2018.
Winchester Cathedral is currently hosting Poppy Fields, a light and sound show created to mark the centenary of the Armistice by Luxmuralis.
It takes visitors on an immersive journey around the cathedral interior with artworks that reflect on the end of WW1 and WW2 and peace in our world, and is available until 4 November. There will be a lunchtime concert of music for the season of Remembrance performed by Winchester Cathedral’s Chamber Choir this Saturday (4 November) too.
Just before 11am on 11 November and 12 November York Minster will come to a standstill and Great Peter’s Bell will toll eleven times followed by the Two Minutes’ Silence.
The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said:
“The pain of separation and loss, and the horrors of warfare, are no strangers to people across the globe, including in the city and Diocese of York. The grief we experience at the death of friends or loved ones is very real, and can last a very long time. It is the call of the Church to help set this against the message of Christian hope contained in the Gospel.
“We are privileged to offer services of remembrance, as well as the opportunity simply to come to the cathedral to pray, light a candle or just sit quietly as we give thanks for those whom we have loved and lost.”
York Minster’s events and services for the Season of Remembrance are here.
You can find a service or event to mark Remembrance at a cathedral near you. Know our cathedrals are open and you are always welcome to come in and say a prayer, light a candle or simply sit and pause a while.
