York Minster will host the 2026 National 12-Bell Striking Contest Final on Saturday 20 June, bringing together some of the finest bellringers in the United Kingdom for a day of music, skill and celebration in one of England’s most magnificent cathedral settings.

This year is especially significant for York Minster as it marks the centenary of its current ring of twelve bells, cast by John Taylor & Co and installed in 1926. For one hundred years these bells have rung out across the city, calling people to worship, marking national occasions, and celebrating moments of joy and remembrance in the life of York and the nation.

On 20 June, those same bells will provide the challenge for the country’s leading twelve-bell bands as they compete for the prestigious Taylor Trophy. The contest returns to York for the first time since 1999, when the home band famously won on its own bells.

The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, has welcomed the return of the contest as a fitting way to celebrate the bells’ centenary year. He describes church bells as both a reminder of God’s presence and an invitation to worship, celebration and community. Their sound remains one of the most distinctive features of England’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Visitors can expect a day filled with the sound of outstanding ringing in a setting renowned throughout the world. As well as hearing some of the best striking in the country, ringers and visitors will have the opportunity to meet friends from across the ringing community and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a major national event while exploring the historic city of York.

Contest ringing is expected to begin at approximately 11.30am, with the results announced at around 5.30pm.

Finalists this year include bands from London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Guildford, Leeds and York, creating a particularly exciting Yorkshire rivalry as Leeds challenges the home team on York’s own bells.

The National 12-Bell Striking Contest has been held annually since 1975 and is widely regarded as the premier competition in the art of change ringing.

Whether you are a dedicated contest follower, an occasional listener, or simply curious to experience the sound of world-class ringing in a great cathedral, you will be warmly welcomed.

Further details, timetable and results are available at 12bell.org.uk/york2026.