York Minster today announced special services and events to mark the Platinum Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Michael Smith said: “Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee gives the whole nation an opportunity to give thanks for the faithful witness and dedicated service of HM Queen Elizabeth II, a faithful disciple of Christ who has served her country for over 70 years.

“The Queen represents so much of what is good about our nation. She embodies the values of strength, loyalty and service, which, along with her abiding faith, should inspire us all to live together in a spirit of equity, mutual care and respect.

“In all that we do at the Minster over the Jubilee weekend we will be giving thanks for our Queen’s reign and for all that she has contributed, and continues to contribute, to the life of our nation.”

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York said:  “As we prepare to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on the first weekend in June, please may I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunity this gives for us to draw our communities together, but also be part of the wider community celebrations that will be happening up and down the nation.

“This is an unprecedented historic occasion in the life of our nation.  I will be praying for Her Majesty, giving thanks for the example of her service from which we can all learn.  Join me in praying also for our nation, and for our life together, that God will bless us.”

From Saturday 14 May (until end of 2022)

New exhibition – Majesty: Monarchy and York Minster

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations commence with a new exhibition exploring York Minster’s ancient relationship with the monarchy. Starting with the coronation of King Edwin in a wooden church – the first York Minster – through to the distribution of The Royal Maundy money by HM The Queen in 2012, the exhibition includes items never before seen on public display including Great Seals used by monarchs to authenticate documents of state, a Bible signed by Elizabeth of York, wife of Henry VII, or possibly her granddaughter Queen Elizabeth I, Chinese silk gifted to Queen Victoria on her wedding day transformed into burses and veil for Holy Communion and footage from the Royal Wedding of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent to his Yorkshire bride, Katharine Worsley in York Minster in 1961.

Jubilee Day – Saturday 4 June

2pm – Lord Lieutenant and Archbishop of York’s Garden Party

Around 600 invited guests from across the county will attend a Garden Party hosted by The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner and The Most Revd and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, in the Deanery Garden at York Minster. The event is being held to thank members of the community for their voluntary service and in particular, their contributions during the pandemic.

5pm – Choral Evensong for the Jubilee

A special service of Choral Evensong with the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and the Archbishop of York giving thanks for 70 years of dedicated service by HM The Queen.  There will be special prayers, readings and celebratory music sung by the Choir of York Minster and the Archbishop of York will preach at the service. All are welcome and no booking is required.

7.30pm – Jubilee Gala Concert

York Minster’s associate choirs, The Ebor Singers and The Chapter House Choir will join the musicians of York Minster for a traditional jubilee celebration in the beautiful setting of the cathedral’s Nave. Accompanied by the cathedral’s spectacular, newly restored Grand Organ, the programme will feature popular coronation pieces, including Handel’s Zadok the Priest, alongside music associated with the royal family and York Minster, including pieces by Francis Jackson and Philip Moore. Tickets priced between £12 and £18.50, with a concession price of £5 for under-27s, are available at www.yorkminster.org.

Bells for the Jubilee

The bells of York Minster will ring out across the city throughout the Jubilee weekend.  The Minster’s volunteer bell ringers are planning a number of complex peal attempts to honour HM The Queen.

Family activities over the Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend

Get crafty in Dean’s Park

Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June, 10.00am – 3.00pm

Visit our activity marquee in Dean’s Park over the jubilee weekend. Take part in colouring activities or ‘Become a Royal’ with a photo opportunity inspired by the cathedral’s Kings’ Screen. The activities are free of charge and available on a drop in basis, no need to book.

Saturday Mornings at York Minster

Saturday 4 June at 10.00am

Our popular drop in sessions for families return with a jubilee twist. The sessions run throughout the year and explore the seasons in the Christian calendar with a different interactive opportunity each time including craft workshops, sensory activities, music and worship.