Following in the footsteps of women of faith: York Minster hosts annual Hilda’s Heirs festival
York Minster is marking International Women’s Day by hosting the annual Hilda’s Heirs festival on Saturday 9 March, in partnership with the Diocese of York and the Yorkshire North and East Methodist District.
The festival will begin at 10am with a service giving thanks for the role that women of faith, past and present, have on our lives. After the service, women in positions of leadership, including Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, will host a market place, offering conversations and activities to visitors.
Two specially designed trails will also be available throughout the day. ‘Women in the Minster’ will journey through the cathedral, following in the steps of women of faith who have played a part in creating the magnificent building and supporting the life of the Minster. An outdoor trail will explore the City of York to discover and celebrate diverse women who have transformed their communities over the centuries.
The Revd Catriona Cumming, Succentor at York Minster, said: “We are delighted to be part of this amazing festival, celebrating and encouraging the leadership of women and girls in our communities. This will be a brilliant day of creativity, conversation and celebration.”
The festival, which will take place inside York Minster on Saturday 9 March, is free to attend. Free tickets can be booked in advance here.
Symbolic York ledger stone leaves for New York
A ledger stone created by York Minster masons to commemorate the long-standing historic links between the cities of York and New York has officially started its journey to the American city.
A special dinner was recently held at the York Minster Refectory to mark the event and was attended by senior representatives from York Minster, the Lord Mayor of York, West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and St. George’s Society of New York.
The ledger stone, an inscribed stone slab usually laid into the floor of a church, has been specially crafted by York Minster masons as a gift from York to New York to celebrate their historic connection. The ledger stone was designed by Richard Bossons, who was responsible for creating York Minster’s statue of Queen Elizabeth II.
Not only do the two cities have an unbreakable link through the history of their names – dating back to 1664 when New York was named – but in 1924, New York presented the city of York with a bronze plaque, which is currently housed in the York Guildhall. The new ledger stone marks the centenary of this gift.
The stone was unveiled by HRH Duke of Gloucester, Patron of the St George’s Society New York on July 11th last year, a date that also signified the formal affiliation of the Company of the Merchant Adventurers of the City of York and the St George’s Society of New York.
The stone will now head transatlantic and will be formally unveiled during a special evensong and civic reception at the Church of St Thomas in New York on 5th May 2024. York Minster shares a close relationship with St Thomas’ Church through its liturgy and music.
The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said: “York and New York have a deeply rooted history, and continue to remain connected in many ways, from education, business, and culture. We’re extremely excited that we’ve reached the next step in the programme of celebration marking the centenary of this historic moment as we look to further develop connections between the two cities.
“It also comes at a time where work on our Centre of Excellence is well underway, a project that will establish the York Minster Precinct as a world class campus facility for heritage craft skills, so we’re delighted to be able to showcase the talent of our stonemasons and the scheme on an international scale through this gift.”
Alongside the unveiling of the stone, the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce will be visiting New York as part of a wider trade mission to highlight the many tourism, business, travel, and education and skills opportunities that North Yorkshire has to offer.
James Mason, Chief Executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This visit to New York creates an opportunity to open up new trade relationships between York and North Yorkshire businesses and new audiences in North America. As a collective group of North Yorkshire representatives across many sectors it will enable us to shine a light on the region for people to think about visiting, studying and travelling to North Yorkshire whether for business or pleasure.
“This is a self-funded trip with all organisations covering their own costs. Here at the Chamber, we are using our global reach and contacts to facilitate the trip at low cost with big impact. For example, on 2nd May we will be staging a Great Yorkshire show event at the British Consulate in Manhattan and hope to plan other trips dependent on its success. Our aim as always is to support our members and has certainly caught the imagination of businesses within our region who are thinking big and further afield to grow their own organisations.”
Sarah Czarnecki, President of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “I am delighted and excited to be working with my wonderful colleagues at York Minster to send the Centenary Ledger Stone on its way to New York. The visit to unveil the stone in May presents a fantastic opportunity for York Minster, The Chamber of Commerce and our partners to represent York, Yorkshire and Britain and will be a fitting tribute to mark this historic landmark occasion.”
Mark Aiston, 2nd Vice President of St. George’s Society of New York and Owner of Aiston Fine Art Services, who is sponsoring the shipment of the stone and travelled to York especially to accompany the stone back to New York, added: “I am thrilled to be a part of such an important project for both the City of York and for New York City, particularly as it marks the 100th anniversary of a similar event for which the City of York was then the recipient. I hope many other visitors from York add this to their list of things to see in Manhattan too!”
The Centre of Excellence is a first-of-its-kind project which will see the creation of a world-class campus facility for research, education and training in the traditional craft skills required to preserve and maintain the Minster for future generations. It will also establish the Minster as an international example of best practice in managing complex heritage estates.
Find out more about the Centre of Excellence HERE.
Photo- L-R: Mark Aiston, Aiston Fine Art and representing the St George’s Society of New York; The Very Revd Dominic Barrington; Richard Bossons – York Minster Stonemason
Photo- L-R: James Mason – Chief Executive, York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Adam Sinclaire – Andrew Jackson Solicitors; Sarah Czarnecki – President, York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Mark Aiston, Aiston Fine Art and representing the St George’s Society of New York ; The Very Revd Dominic Barrington – Dean of York; David Colthup – Chapter Steward, York Minster; Alex McCallion – Director of Works & Precinct, York Minster; Richard Bossons – York Minster Stonemason; Daniel Sowden – BHP; Louise Barnaby – BHP
Sustainable redevelopment plans for York Minster’s Red House
Plans have been submitted to renovate a key building at York Minster Precinct as part of its pioneering Neighbourhood Plan.
If planning permission and listed building consent are approved by City of York Council, much needed improvement and repair work will be made to the Grade II* listed Red House building at 6 Minster Yard.
As part of the latest low carbon retrofit project by the Chapter of York, the governing body of York Minster, a ‘warm roof’ with solar slates will be incorporated on the building’s south side.
The same system has been successfully introduced on the Precinct’s Refectory building with permission also granted at 2 Deangate, where work is set to commence in 2025.
In addition to the solar slates at Red House, a platform will be created in the roof space for an air source heat pump to be installed in the future when funding allows.
Other planned improvements include a new balustrade to the side external staircase, repairs to roof timbers and the removal of an unstable chimney stack.
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “These proposals will not only improve the existing roof at Red House but also prepare the building to remain in sustainable use for the lifespan of the new slate roof, in the face of growing climate change challenges.
“The redevelopment of Red House continues York Minster’s trailblazing approach to planning matters and creating a sustainable future for both the cathedral building and its surrounding Precinct through our pioneering Neighbourhood Plan.
“York Minster has already won two major awards for its Neighbourhood Plan which has created a planning policy framework to deliver significant changes within a heritage estate and is a shining example of best practice in managing complex heritage estates and how to secure their long-term environmental, financial and heritage sustainability for future generations to enjoy.”
Alongside plans for Red House, construction work is accelerating at the Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management, a world class campus facility for research, education and training in ancient craft skills.
The Centre of Excellence will bring benefits including continuing the craft of stonemasonry and encouraging global learning and knowledge sharing, as well as being a shining example of best practice in managing complex heritage estates.
The Neighbourhood Plan sets out a policy-led approach to creating a sustainable future for the Minster and its seven hectare estate.
For media enquiries please email Aberfield via yorkminster@aberfield.com or call 0113 880 0444.
The Star of David in 600 Candles for Holocaust Memorial Day
The Star of David in 600 candles will be set out on the floor of York Minster’s ancient Chapter House on Saturday 27 January, for the cathedral’s annual Holocaust Memorial Day event. Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis in the Second World War and the millions of other people murdered in genocides which have occurred since.
This year’s theme, Fragility of Freedom, will reflect on how the erosion of freedom is the key precursor to persecution and genocide. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Hutu genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. More than a million people were murdered in just 100 days after the violence began in April 1994.
Commenting on the event, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York said: “Despite recognising the signs and signals of authoritarian regimes stripping away fundamental human rights and freedoms, all too often we choose to look away, we choose not to hear.
“Contemplating such cruelty can be overwhelming but if we don’t, genocide can happen as it did in Nazi occupied Europe, in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. This Holocaust Memorial Day we will hear accounts of lives lost to genocide and of survivors able to rebuild their lives but whose minds will never truly be free.”
The event will include poetry, readings, reflections and prayers and music by The Ebor Singers, an associate choir of York Minster. People will be invited to go to the candlestands to light a candle throughout the event.
York Minster’s Holocaust Memorial Day event is on Saturday 27 January from 6.30pm until 8.00pm. Free tickets are required for admission. To book, visit our event page here, or call 01904 557200.
York Minster’s new schools’ learning programme for 2024
York Minster has launched three brand new schools’ workshops starting in January 2024. ‘Creative Creation!’, ‘Pilgrimage in an Hour’, and ‘Magnificent Minster Marvels’ combine with an immersive tour of the cathedral that will give pupils an awe-inspiring experience and memories that will last a lifetime.
Designed for pupils at Key Stage 1 – 3, York Minster is launching a refreshed learning programme this year. Lisa Power, Head of Events and Participation said: “We are so excited to be able to welcome schools back for this fantastic learning offer. Our Learning Team have specialisms in history, archaeology, and Religious Education. Their combined backgrounds in heritage education and in secondary teaching have enabled them to develop a versatile and engaging programme.”
In addition to the new workshops, York Minster will join a network of cathedrals to participate in the hugely successful National Schools Singing Programme (NSSP). Emilie Bels, the cathedral’s newly appointed Schools Singing Lead, will work with Church of England primary schools in York and the wider Diocese to deliver outreach in singing and musicianship.
Commenting on Emilie’s appointment, Lisa Power said: “This new role is at the heart of the Minster’s role as the Mother Church of the Diocese of York. Our mission is to offer schools an outreach programme that will give children foundations in music that will last their lifetime and connect them to the rich traditions of church music.
“Emilie is an experienced classroom teacher with a dynamic approach to music education. What she will bring to the NSSP and what she can offer with the NSSP curriculum is extremely exciting.”
Schools can get further information by emailing enquiries@yorkminster.org or speak with a member of our Bookings Team 01904 557275. Detailed information about our new learning offer is available here: www.yorkminster.org/visit/schools.
For more information about the National Schools Singing Programme go to www.nssp.org.uk.
York Minster to host BBC Radio 4 recording – Christmas Service with The Archbishop of York
BBC Radio 4 will be at York Minster on Tuesday 12 December to record a special act of worship for broadcast on Christmas Day morning.
The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, will welcome all to the service which will include prayers, Bible readings, and a homily from The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, as well as much-loved Carols and traditional music for Christmas Day performed by The Choir of York Minster under the direction of Robert Sharpe, the cathedral’s Director of Music.
The choir will be singing a new version of the poem, Away in a Manger, set to music by the young British composer Lucy Walker. Choristers, volunteers and members of the Minster community will also contribute to elements of the service.
Dean Dominic said: “We are delighted that York Minster will be the location for the recording of this act of worship for BBC Radio 4’s Christmas Day schedule. The Good News of the birth of Jesus Christ will be told in words and music that will both captivate and comfort listeners on Christmas morning.”
All are welcome to attend and must be seated by 5.15pm. As the recording will start promptly at 5.30pm there will be no late admissions to the service. The service will finish by 6.45pm.
Christmas Service with The Archbishop of York will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 7am on Monday 25 December and will then be available on BBC Sounds.
York Minster gets ready for Advent and Christmas
To mark the start of the Advent and Christmas season, York Minster is preparing for the raising of its spectacular Advent Wreath and the opening of the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival in the first weekend of December.
On Friday 1 December, a three metre-wide Advent Wreath will be suspended below the Minster’s Central Tower. The wreath is assembled around a vast and heavy metal ring with built-in channels to hold the water required to keep the foliage fresh. The structure also features five one-metre-high candle holders, representing the Sundays of Advent.
It takes the Minster’s expert team of volunteer flower arrangers almost three hours to create the beautiful abundant display, overflowing with fresh holly and ivy. The raising of the Advent Wreath is the pinnacle of the calendar year for the flower arrangers who work all year round to provide the cathedral with beautiful floral displays.
Saturday 2 December marks the opening of the much-loved York Minster Christmas Tree Festival where 60 trees will adorn the Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel. The trees will be decorated to individual themes by local businesses, schools and charities, with trees provided by award-winning local company York Christmas Trees.
Throughout the festival, visitors will be able to vote for their favourite tree with the winning charity and school receiving a £200 prize and the winning business £200 to donate to a charity of their choice.
York Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival will run from Saturday 2 December 2023 to Friday 5 January 2024 during general admission times (please check opening times on the website before visiting). Entry is included with general admission (general admission is free for York residents with proof of address).
The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York said:
“As we move towards the great seasons of Advent and Christmas, we are conscious not only of the nights drawing in, but of the considerable darkness afflicting much of the world, including the region that Christians often call the Holy Land.
The season of Advent helps us prepare for the coming into the world of a light which is inextinguishable, and on each Sunday of that season, another candle will be lit on our great Advent Wreath to symbolise that light which the world has not, and cannot overcome. I hope you will visit the Minster during this wonderful, powerful season and let that light transform your life this Christmas.”
Vigil for peace in Israel and Gaza – Saturday 11 November, 6.30pm
Religious, political and civic leaders from across York will come together to hold a vigil in York Minster on Saturday 11 November to call for peace and an end to the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
The vigil will begin with a welcome and address from the Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, before reflections are shared by Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, as well as civic and religious leaders from across the city.
There will be a period of silence before members of the public are invited to write their thoughts and prayers onto pieces of white paper which will be placed on the cathedral’s raised altar platform to form a large white peace dove. Members of the public will also have the chance to light candles on the votive candle stands surrounding the dais, as we continue to hold in our hearts the suffering of all those affected by the conflict.
Commenting on the vigil, the Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said: “I am glad that we can host this peace vigil at York Minster. The Cathedral provides a space where people can witness, by their presence and by their involvement in the event, our common desire for peace. I look forward to welcoming and standing alongside elected civic leaders and faith representatives, including members of our Mosque and Synagogue.”
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, said: “It is easy to feel powerless when we watch such horrendous scenes from Gaza and Israel. We want people in power to feel the heartache and pain; we want people in power to stop the violence and demand the peace.
“On Saturday evening, every child and adult in York is invited to bring their pleas, petitions and prayers to form a dove of peace. In coming to York Minster, they will be taking part in something so powerful, as I gather up all these words and present them to national and world leaders. Please come.”
The vigil for peace will take place in the cathedral’s nave on Saturday 11 November starting at 6.30pm and will last around an hour.
Season of Remembrance at York Minster
This year’s Season of Remembrance at York Minster will help us to engage with the extraordinary power of love, the grief and pain of bereavement and the opportunity to honour and to pay our respects to those who have died in conflicts whether recent or historic.
The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said: “The pain of separation and loss, and the horrors of warfare, are no strangers to people across the globe, including in the city and Diocese of York. The grief we experience at the death of friends or loved ones is very real, and can last a very long time. It is the call of the Church to help set this against the message of Christian hope contained in the Gospel.
“We are privileged to offer services of remembrance, as well as the opportunity simply to come to the cathedral to pray, light a candle or just sit quietly as we give thanks for those whom we have loved and lost.”
York Minster’s events and services for the Season of Remembrance are as follows:
Solemn Eucharist for the Feast of All Saints’ Day
Wednesday 1 November – 5.30pm
We celebrate all the Saints in light and join in with the worship of heaven in this jubilant service with music from the Vicars Choral and Choral Scholars of the Choir of York Minster.
All Souls’ Day
Thursday 2 November
The Minster will be closed for sightseeing but open with free entry to welcome those who have been recently bereaved or people who simply want to remember loved ones who died many years ago.
Requiem Eucharist for All Souls’ Day – 5.30pm
The annual Requiem Eucharist for All Souls’ Day, at which we remember loved ones who have died.
Armistice Day
Saturday 11 November – National Two Minutes’ Silence
At just before 11am, York Minster will come to a standstill as prayers are said for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their country in the First and Second World Wars and in subsequent conflicts. Great Peter will toll eleven times at 11am followed by the National Two Minutes’ Silence.
Service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration for Remembrance
Sunday 12 November – 10.30am
An annual service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration for Remembrance Sunday which will include music by the Choir of York Minster, hymns, readings, prayers and an Act of Remembrance at 11am in unison with the commemorations across the city, when Great Peter will toll eleven times followed by the Two Minutes’ Silence.
Requiem Eucharist for Remembrance Sunday – 4pm
To conclude the commemorations on Remembrance Sunday, the Choir of York Minster sing a moving and contemplative service of Holy Communion, with music by Fauré.
York Minster unveils new exhibition showcasing rare treasures from local parishes of Yorkshire
Silver, gold and diamonds from across Yorkshire will be showcased in a new exhibition at York Minster. Treasures: Yorkshire’s People and Parishes will feature precious and rare objects, which have survived the turbulent, religious, political and social history of England’s largest county. The exhibition opens on Saturday 21 October.
The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into Yorkshire life, the history of York Minster and how historic collections are formed. Objects from the cathedral’s historic collection of more than 300,000 pieces and fascinating items across the North come together to form one celebratory narrative. From ornate gilded altar panels to a rare seventeenth century cup crafted by a female silversmith and belonging to Selby Abbey, the exhibition travels across counties and through parishes, charting changing cultures and traditions in churches.
Visitors can see a glorious silver gilt chalice, set with a magnificent 32 carat diamond which was presented to York Minster by Lily Forepaugh, a celebrated circus equestrienne. The dramatic damage to the pages of a fourteenth century cartulary, alleged to have been caused by the impact of a cannon ball, is a must-see.
Selected by York Minster’s Collections Team, other treasures include a beautiful Communion cup and cover from York city centre church, St-Michael-Le-Belfrey, the Mercier chalice, set with an amethyst ring: a powerful symbol of friendship and reunion, and a book gifted by King James I. A pair of seventeenth century enameled brass candlesticks, the only other pair of its kind resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, are beautifully decorated with flowers and scrolling foliage on a background of black and white champleve enamel.
The objects are proudly local, but tell national and global stories, offering insight into the role of art and generous gift-giving in local communities. The exhibition describes the crucial role of women in shaping, using, and creating our collections as owners, publishers, patrons, and makers. A selection of books belonging to Yorkshire woman Margaret Hoby, considered to be the first English diarist, will be on rotation demonstrating this vital legacy.
Kirsty Mitchell, Curator at York Minster, explains:
“The parish collections in York Minster’s care are important, beautiful and can be quite quirky! They hold so many fascinating stories, we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate Yorkshire and the Northern Province in this exhibition.”
Opening on Saturday 21 October and running until February 2025, Treasures: Yorkshire’s People and Parishes will be on display in the cathedral’s historic Treasury.
The exhibition will open during normal visiting times and entry is included with a standard admission ticket. Entry to York Minster is free for York residents and students with valid proof of address.
York Minster announces chorister auditions for 2024
York Minster is offering York school pupils in Year 3 a chance to audition for its world-famous choir. Children are not expected to have formal singing experience, but a love of singing is very much essential to the role. If their audition is successful, children will receive a place at St Peter’s School, the choir school for York Minster since September 2020.
Choral music is one of the glories of York Minster: the choir, widely regarded as one of the finest cathedral choirs in the country, can trace its heritage back to 627AD and, more recently, has performed for King Charles III as well as featuring on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. Alongside high profile performances, choristers also have the chance to tour internationally, make new friends and sing alongside renowned musicians in the stunning setting of York Minster.
As well as a world-class musical education under the tutelage of York Minster’s Director of Music, Robert Sharpe, choristers receive an outstanding education at St Peter’s School, one of the oldest schools in the world and winner of the Times Education Supplement’s Independent School of the Year 2021. The Chapter of York, York Minster’s governing body, provides a substantial scholarship for each chorister towards school fees, with additional means-tested bursaries potentially increasing the level of funding to 100%.
Robert Sharpe explained that the chorister recruitment process aims to identify children with musicality and potential, rather than recruiting fully formed singers. He said:
“There will be many parents in and around York with a son or daughter who just loves singing and who may be searching for ways to nurture their child’s ability. Becoming a chorister at York Minster is an excellent way to harness a child’s musical talent. Energy, enthusiasm and good humour are just as important as musical talent.
“In addition to developing their musical skills, chorister training helps children to develop lifelong skills such as self-discipline, team-work, organisational skills, concentration, poise and attention to detail. Choristers are educated at St Peter’s School which shares a common foundation of 627AD with the Minster making it the fourth oldest school in the world.
“This is a unique opportunity for a child to have a superb education and to play a part in the life of one of the most important and beautiful cathedrals in the world.”
Commenting on the auditions, Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s School York said:
“The wonderful experience of being a chorister at York Minster, combined with an outstanding education at St Peter’s, offers excellent and often life-changing opportunities for girls and boys with musical talents and interests. I have first-hand appreciation of the incredible experience this provides, as a former chorister parent myself and Head Master of two cathedral choir schools, and encourage you and your families to find out more and consider an application.”
About the 2024 Chorister Auditions
York Minster’s 2024 Chorister Auditions will be held in the week commencing January 2024 at St Peter’s School, Clifton, York YO30 6AB. The deadline for applications is 31 December 2023. For more details, contact Sara Bath, Admissions Officer, on 01904 527391 or email s.bath@stpetersyork.org.uk
Spectacular services, The Nutcracker, Christmas Trees and Jethro Tull: Advent and Christmas at York Minster
Celebrate Advent and Christmas at York Minster with traditional festive services, much-loved seasonal music and concerts, a festival of Christmas trees, a new production of The Nutcracker for families and a concert by Ian Anderson’s legendary Jethro Tull.
The season begins on Advent Sunday (3 December), with the spectacular Advent Procession service. Starting in complete darkness, the cathedral is gradually illuminated by candlelight as the Choir of York Minster moves through the building to readings from the Old Testament, setting the scene for the Christmas story. Daily worship and Evensong services throughout Advent and Christmas will include prayers, music and readings for the season.
Christmas week worship includes the Crib Service (23 December), Nine Lessons and Carols (23 and 24 December) and Midnight Mass (24 December). The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will preside at the Eucharist of Christmas Day at 11am (25 December).
The ever-popular annual Christmas Carol Concerts will take place on 7 and 8 December, with readings by actor David Bradley (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones), and music by the Choir of York Minster and the Yorkshire Volunteer Band.
On Saturday 9 December, York Minster will present a magical new performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Children (and adults alike) will love the narration by local children’s actor Gemma Sharp (Artistic Director of local theatre company Hoglets), and the artistry of Benjamin Morris, York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music, who will bring Tchaikovsky’s music to life on the cathedral’s spectacular Grand Organ.
York Minster will host a unique musical experience on Saturday 18 December, when folk rock legend Ian Anderson presents Christmas with Jethro Tull in the Minster’s stunning Nave. He performs in cathedrals across the country each year, donating the ticket sales to the care and conservation of the cathedral buildings.
From 2 December (until 5 January 2024), York Minster’s Christmas Tree festival returns with 60 trees, individually decorated by local businesses, schools and charities on display in the Chapter House, the Nave and the Lady Chapel.
York Minster’s Advent and Christmas programme is set out below. For booking information visit www.yorkminster.org or call our Bookings Office on 01904 557200.
York Minster’s Advent and Christmas Programme 2023
Evensong – Sunday 26 November, 4pm
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cantata 140, Sleepers, wake
On the Sunday before Advent, the Choir of York Minster gives its traditional annual Evensong performance of Bach’s popular Cantata 140, ‘Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme’ (Sleepers, wake), with orchestral accompaniment.
York Minster Christmas Tree Festival – Saturday 2 December – Friday 5 January during general admission times
York Minster Christmas Tree Festival returns for the third year with 60 trees on display in the cathedral’s stunning Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel.
Advent Procession – Sunday 3 December, 5.30pm. Free, pre-booked tickets required.
On Advent Sunday, York Minster gradually emerges from darkness into full candlelight in the stunning and atmospheric Advent Procession. The Choir of York Minster will process through the cathedral to music, readings and prayers.
Christmas Carol Concerts – Thursday 7 and Friday 8 December, 7pm
The Choir of York Minster will perform much-loved Christmas music, with seasonal readings from special guest David Bradley and music by the Yorkshire Volunteer Band.
The Nutcracker at York Minster – Saturday 9 December
First performance 2pm – 3pm
Second performance 7pm – 8pm
A magical new performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker from York Minster for children and adults alike. Narration by local children’s actor Gemma Sharp (Artistic Director of local theatre company Hoglets), and music by Benjamin Morris, York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music, who will bring Tchaikovsky’s music to life on the cathedral’s spectacular Grand Organ.
Sankta Lucia: Festival of Light – Monday 11 December, 7.30pm
An atmospheric, candlelit procession and carol service based on the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration. The service is run in partnership with the York Anglo-Scandinavian Society.
Chapter House Choir ‘Carols by Candlelight’ – Saturday 16 December, 7.30pm
The choir continues to build on its reputation as one of the North of England’s finest chamber choirs, under the leadership of Musical Director Benjamin Morris. The Chapter House Choir will be joined by the Chapter House Youth Choir.
Ian Anderson presents ‘Christmas with Jethro Tull’ – Monday 18 December, 7.30pm.
Experience folk-rock legend Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull in the awe-inspiring setting of York Minster this Christmas. Hear some of the best-known repertoire of Jethro Tull alongside traditional seasonal church and classical music for a moment of pre-Christmas madness, goodness and togetherness.
Crib Service – Saturday 23 December, 11.30am. Free, pre-booked tickets required.
The Christmas story in a fun and accessible service for families with carols and musical accompaniment. Children are encouraged to dress up as characters from the Nativity and there will be a chance to see the crib.
Nine Lessons and Carols
Saturday 23 December and Sunday 24 December, 4pm. Free, pre-booked tickets required.
Two services consisting of nine special readings, carols sung by the Choir of York Minster and hymns for everyone to join in. A traditional Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Midnight Mass – Sunday 24 December, 11.30pm
Experience the First Eucharist of Christmas with Communion, Blessing of the Crib and choral music sung by the St William’s Singers.
Christmas Day services – Monday 25 December
York Minster celebrates the arrival of Jesus Christ, light of the world.
8am: Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer
10am: Choral Matins sung by the Choir of York Minster
11am: Sung Eucharist sung by the Choir of York Minster, with sermon by the Archbishop of York.
4pm: Choral Evensong sung by the Choir of York Minster.
New Year’s Eve bells – Sunday 31 December
York Minster’s Bellringers will ring in the new year as the clock strikes midnight.
The Eucharist for the Feast of the Epiphany – Saturday 6 January 2024, 5.30pm
A special service to mark the Feast of the Epiphany with music by St Peter’s Cathedral Choir, Adelaide, Australia.
York Minster will be open for sightseeing throughout November and December but may need to close from time to time for services and events – please check the website for opening times and to book admission tickets.
The Minster Shops inside the cathedral and at 9 Minster Gates will also be open daily from 9.30am – 5pm offering a range of bespoke gifts inspired by the cathedral alongside seasonal items including nativity sets and advent calendars and candles.