From special services to festive concerts and carols in the cloister, there is lots to look forward to at Norwich Cathedral throughout Advent and Christmas.
One of the first dates for festive diaries is the beautiful Advent Procession on Sunday December 1 which will see the Cathedral filled with candlelight as they begin our preparations for Christmas.
There will be lots more to enjoy as the countdown to Christmas continues, and tickets are now on sale for the Cathedral Choir’s seasonal concerts.
The Cathedral Choir will perform Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight on Saturday December 7 and the Christmas with Norwich Cathedral Choir concert will take place on Friday December 13.
Moving into the New Year, Norwich Cathedral Chamber Choir will be singing Bach’s Christmas Oratorio on Saturday February 1, the day before the festive season concludes with a special service for Candlemas on Sunday February 2.
Below are the key highlights of Norwich Cathedral’s festive services and events.
For the full details, visit cathedral.org.uk
Silence in the Cathedral
Monday November 25, 7pm
An hour of silence, with solo music at the beginning and end, to reflect on the changing seasons and specifically Advent, the season of hopeful expectation.
Convened by the Silence in the Cathedral Group. Admission is free, donations welcome.
Candlelit Advent Procession
Sunday December 1, 6pm
Join for carols and readings in a candlelit procession as preparations begin for Christmas.
Evensong with the making of a Child Bishop
Friday December 6, 5.30pm
Reviving a custom from the Middle Ages, one of the Cathedral’s choristers will be made the ‘Child Bishop’ for this special Evensong celebrating St Nicholas, the patron saint of children.
The Blessing of the Outdoor Crib
Friday December 6, 6.15pm
Join for a short service to bless the Cathedral’s Crib next to the Tree of Remembrance outside the Hostry. The blessing will take place immediately after the 5.30pm Evensong with the making of a ‘Child Bishop’. All are welcome to attend both services.
Tree of Remembrance
Friday December 6 until Sunday January 5
Remember a loved one by placing a star on the Tree of Remembrance beside the Cathedral’s outdoor crib outside the Hostry. The tree will be raising funds for YANA (You Are Not Alone), a Norfolk-based charity which offers support to people involved in agriculture and other rural businesses who are affected by stress and depression. To find out more about YANA visit www.yanahelp.org
Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight
Saturday December 7, 7pm
Join Norwich Cathedral Choir, Norwich Baroque and a cast of internationally acclaimed soloists for the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah by candlelight.
The concert will feature Alex Kidgell Soprano, Rebecca Afonwy-Jones Alto, Gwilym Bowen Tenor, Felix Kemp Bass and Ashley Grote Conductor.
Tickets £15/£25/£35/£40 (£5 for under 18s in side aisles).
To book, visit cathedral.org.uk or call 0333 666 3366.
Christmas with Norwich Cathedral Choir
Friday December 13, 7.30pm
Join Norwich Cathedral Choir for a feast of festive music, both sacred and secular, with carols for choir and audience, not forgetting the great 12 Days of Christmas sing-along!
Tickets £15/£20/£25 (£5 for under 18s in the side aisles).
To book, visit cathedral.org.uk or call 0333 666 3366.
Carols in the Cloister
Saturday December 14, 4pm
Enjoy a carol singalong with the Cathedral’s senior girl choristers in the stunning surrounds of the Cloister. Warm, colourful and festive attire is encouraged!
Free admission, with a retiring collection in aid of The Children’s Society.
Children’s Christmas Crafts
Saturday December 14, 2.30pm-4pm
Families can enjoy free Christmas crafts throughout the afternoon ahead of Carols in the Cloister.
Monday December 23, 7pm
Tuesday December 24, 3.30pm
Hear the story of Christmas told with carols and readings as the Cathedral Choir moves in procession through the whole Cathedral.
Crib Service
Tuesday December 24, 12 noon
Fun for all the family as the Christmas Story is brought to life in this informal service where children are invited to dress as characters from the Nativity and the Cathedral Children’s Choir will sing.
Midnight Mass
Tuesday December, 24 11.15pm
The traditional service sung by the Cathedral Choir to welcome in Christmas Day and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Please arrive early.
Family Eucharist of Christmas Day
Wednesday December 25, 10.30am
Celebrate Christmas Day at this special service sung by Norwich Cathedral Choir.
Festal Evensong on Christmas Day
Wednesday December 25, 3.30pm
A special Evensong for Christmas Day with carols sung by Norwich Cathedral Choir.
New Year’s Day Organ Recital
Wednesday January 1, 11am
Norwich Cathedral’s organist David Dunnett will play a recital packed full of organ favourites to welcome in the New Year.
Free admission, with a retiring collection.
Plough Sunday Evensong
Sunday January 12, 3.30pm
Join us in celebrating the beginning of the agricultural year and all who work in farming.
Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur
Sunday January 12, 6pm
Norwich Cathedral’s organist David Dunnett will play Messiaen's organ meditation on the nativity, La Nativité du Seigneur.
Free admission, with a retiring collection.
The Epiphany Procession
Sunday January 19, 3.30pm
Norwich Cathedral Choir leads this processional service with readings, choral music and carols celebrating the season of The Epiphany.
Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols
Sunday January 26, 6pm
The boys and girls of Norwich Cathedral Choir, with harpist accompaniment, sing Britten’s ever-popular A Ceremony of Carols – first performed at Norwich Castle in 1942.
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
Saturday February 1, 7pm
Join Norwich Cathedral Chamber Choir and Norwich Baroque for a performance of Bach's Christmas Oratorio, one of the great masterpieces of the Baroque era written for the festive season.
Tickets £15/£20/£25/£30 (£5 for under 18s in the side aisles).
To book, visit cathedral.org.uk or call 0333 666 3366.
Traditional Choral Matins for Candlemas
Sunday February 2, 10.30am
The Cathedral Choir leads us in beautiful music as the season of Christmas comes to its end.
Candlemas Eucharist
Sunday February 2, 6pm
Join us for this Festal Eucharist with candlelit procession, celebrating the end of the Christmas season.
Christmas shopping in the Cathedral Gift Shop
The Cathedral’s Gift Shop is open daily, offering lots of inspiration for the perfect presents, as well as Christmas cards, Advent calendars and nativity sets. Festive offers include four packs of selected Cathedral Christmas cards for £20 and two Cathedral ceramic decorations for £12.
For all the latest information about festive services and events at Norwich Cathedral, visit cathedral.org.uk/christmas
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