‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ - Christmas at the Cathedral
Gloucester Cathedral announces programme of services and events for Advent and Christmas 2021
This year’s ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ Christmas campaign invites people across the city, county and diocese to come and celebrate Advent and Christmas at Gloucester Cathedral, bringing the community safely together in joyful and spiritual celebration.
The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester said:
“Last year, it was said, that Christmas was cancelled. Like so many, many others, we were separated as a family just at the time we would always be together. This Christmas, despite on-going concerns, we are back with as much joy as we can muster – so ‘O come all ye faithful!’ Of course, Christmas does not need to be saved as it saves us, with the good news of God here among us in the birth of Jesus Christ.”
Ticketed Christmas Services
In previous years the most popular Christmas services have attracted up to 1,500 people. The Cathedral is a large, airy space, but for the safety and comfort of people attending the services, and with the continued threat of the coronavirus, the decision has been taken to limit numbers.
For this reason, the two biggest services, (Christmas Carol and Family Crib services) will be ticketed. Tickets for the services are free but must be booked in advance. Tickets will be available via the Cathedral website from 10am on Monday 22 November.
Tickets are not required for any other Cathedral services, but it is advised to arrive in good time to secure a seat.
Live-streamed Services
Alongside the usual Sunday services, most of the main Christmas services will be live streamed for people to watch online.
A full list of services can be found on the Cathedral’s website.
An exciting Cathedral Christmas programme has been revealed which sees the return of the ever-popular Carols on the Hour and special Evening Openings. The packed programme or services and events includes:
Carols on the Hour
It's back, gather your family and friends together and join us on Saturday 11 December for our annual bite-sized burst of festive praise. Enjoy traditional carols in your glorious Cathedral sung on the hour by the Choirs of Gloucester Cathedral.
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night (Ticketed)
11, 17, 20 and 21 December
Everything looks and feels just a bit more beautiful after dark in the Cathedral at this time of year. Enjoy the decorated Cathedral by night with live music provided by our Cathedral musicians and friends. Tickets are £5 per adult, £3 per child (5-16 years) and will be available to book on the Cathedral website from 10am on Monday 22 November.
The Christmas Story Trail
From Saturday 11 December to Friday 7 January come and follow the family friendly trail around the Cathedral to learn more about the Christmas story and meet the characters by hunting for the miniature displays.
The Knitivity
Visit Gloucester Cathedral’s much-loved and characterful Crib Scene in the spectacular surroundings of the Quire.
Homeless Hamper Campaign
Once again, we are working with Gloucester City Mission to be the main collection point for their Homeless Hamper campaign. From Friday 3 to Saturday 11 December visitors can drop off donations to a collection point in the Cathedral Nave. The hampers will be distributed before Christmas Day.
To find out more about Advent and Christmas 2021 at Gloucester Cathedral, including opening times, services, concerts and events, and booking information please visit the website.
Explore Gloucestershire
23 November 2021
For further information.
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