Autumn/Winter What's On
This latest edition of What's On is available to pick up in the Cathedral and also online...
Welcome to a packed autumn and winter programme of services and events at your Cathedral, with something for everyone to take us from the long days of summer to the long nights of winter at the heart of which we celebrate the birth of the one who is known as the Light of the World.
Is it possible for Britain to become great again? What is the legacy of Hitler and does his voice echo in our world today? Has Christianity had its day – or is it true that young people, desperate for stability and truth, are turning back to the Church? All these issues, and many more, will be addressed in a weekend of conversation and debate here at the Cathedral, where instead of the increasingly polarised views we lob at each other from behind the security of our social media walls, we can explore ideas different to our own, and learn and grow in the process. You can read more about ‘Enlighten’ in the pages that follow. Do book and and join us for what promises to be a lively weekend.
Cathedrals are spaces for learning – and also for singing. As well as the ever popular concerts, from Abba to Ratpack, there is the chance for young people who enjoy singing to spend time with award-winning The Gesualdo Six, a real opportunity to develop their voices and discover the sheer joy of singing in the magnificent space of the Cathedral. They can sign up too for ‘Be a Chorister for a day’ to learn a little more about what life for our choristers is like, which could perhaps be the first step in a life-long love of music. Our choristers sing Evensong most evenings in the Cathedral. You’re always welcome to come and join us for half an hour of peace and contemplation - no previous experience required!
One of the many joys of Lichfield Cathedral is the way the light plays through the stained glass, changing the mood and the atmosphere in sometimes dramatic ways. We gather in the Cathedral at 8am each day for Morning Prayer and the shifting light marks out for us the seasons of the year as we complete another journey around the sun. Each cathedral will play with the light in different ways. Each will be equally special, equally sacred. We may not be able to visit all 42 English cathedrals at dawn, but do come to see “The English Cathedral” Exhibition to marvel at these very special places which offer us time to pause and reflect and wonder.
And then of course, it’s Christmas. A friendly robin will bob, bob, bob his way through our ever popular Christmas Light Show and the Friends of Lichfield Cathedral will host the magical Christmas Tree Festival once more. With the Artisan Market and our fabulous Cathedral Shop you can crack your Christmas list in one go – and then relax and enjoy the tremendous Christmas services which point to the true reason for the season.
We very much look forward to welcoming you to Your Cathedral. Our doors are open 365 days a year, and you will always find a warm welcome here.
The Rt Revd Jan McFarlane
Dean of Lichfield