York Minster to host Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort’s first Royal Maundy Service
The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, today expressed his delight that the first Royal Maundy service in the reign of His Majesty The King will take place at York Minster on Thursday 6 April. His Majesty will be accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen Consort.
74 men and 74 women (signifying the age of the Monarch) selected from Church of England dioceses across the country, and Anglican and Ecumenical partners across the UK, will receive the Maundy, a gift from The King, to thank them for their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities.
Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus Christ washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. The service is rooted in the ancient history and traditions of the church.
Commenting on the service, Dean Dominic said: “We are honoured that His Majesty has chosen York Minster to be his cathedral church for the first Maundy Service of his reign.
Taking place in Holy Week, this historic service symbolises, humility, care, kindness and appreciation of others. The King’s Maundy gift will be a moment of celebration and thanksgiving for 148 exceptional people who have made an impact in their communities.”
The late Queen distributed the Royal Maundy at York Minster on two occasions: first on 30 March 1972 and again on 5 April 2012, during her Diamond Jubilee Year. A plaque commemorating both visits can be found on the Queen’s Path between St William’s College and York Minster.
Top soloists join Choir of York Minster for Handel’s Messiah
For the first time since 2019, the Choir of York Minster will be joined by internationally renowned soloists on Saturday 25 March for a performance of Handel’s Messiah in the spectacular setting of the cathedral’s Nave.
It will be the first time the choir has performed the popular oratorio since December 2019, and the first time in recent years that they have staged the moving and poignant choral performance, which tells the story of Christ, during the season of Lent and Easter.
The choir will be joined by an orchestra and world renowned soloists Keri Fuge (Soprano), Ed Lyon (Tenor), Victoria Simmonds (Mezzo-Soprano) and Morgan Pearse (Baritone) for the concert.
The famous work was first performed in Dublin in 1742 and has since become one of the best-known and most popular English oratorios.
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, said: “It’s the first time we have performed the piece during the season of Lent and Easter, which is when the piece was first performed in 1742, and we look forward to bringing this timeless work back to the awe-inspiring and atmospheric setting of the cathedral’s Nave.
“We have a great line up of soloists including dramatic baritone, Morgan Pearse, whose third York Minster Messiah this will be. He, Ed Lyon (Tenor), Victoria Simmonds (Mezzo-Soprano) and Keri Fuge (Soprano) will, alongside the Minster choir, bring their magic to this evergreen work.”
British Soprano Keri Fuge is in demand for her work in opera, concert and recital. She sings regularly in many major European opera houses such as the Grande Theatre de Geneve, Staatstheater Klagenfurt, Opéra du Luxembourg and with orchestras worldwide including the Royal Concertgebouw Orkest, Singapore Symphony, Bach Akademie Stuttgart and Nordeutscher Runkfunk and in the UK with Glyndebourne, English National Opera and many of the UK’s leading orchestras and choirs.
Ed Lyon studied at St John’s College Cambridge, the Royal Academy of Music and the National Opera Studio. He has a wide repertoire ranging from the baroque to contemporary music and has appeared in many of the world’s leading opera and concert venues including the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, Bayerische Staatsoper, Dutch National Opera, Teatro Real, Edinburgh, Aix, Salzburg, Holland and Aldeburgh Festivals and the BBC Proms.
Victoria Simmonds studied with David Pollard at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She has sung numerous roles at all of the major UK opera companies including Fox The Cunning Little Vixen and Meg Page Falstaff (Garsington), Boy Way Back Home (English National Opera), Angel 2/Marie Written on Skin (Netherlands Opera, Toulouse, Lisbon, Opéra Comique Paris, Royal Opera House, La Scala Milan, Lincoln Centre New York.
Morgan Pearse is one of the most exciting baritones of his generation. He studied at the Royal College of Music where he won the Lies Askonas Prize and Gold Medal at the Royal Over Seas League Competition. He went on to become a member of the Houston Grand Opera Studio and made his UK debut at English National Opera singing Figaro / Barber of Seville.
The concert takes place on Saturday 25 March at 7pm with tickets priced at £30, £18.50 and £12.50, and a concession price of £5 for under 27s. Tickets are available now via yorkminster.org or by calling 01904 557200.
York Minster seeking new boy choristers for its world-famous choir
York Minster and St Peter’s School York, are searching for school boys, currently in Year 3, to audition for the internationally-renowned Choir of York Minster and the chance to receive an outstanding education at St Peter’s School, York, starting in September this year. Formal singing experience is not required for the auditions, a love of singing is all that is needed.
The Choir of York Minster is made up of 16 boys, 16 girls and 12 adult singers. The new boy choristers will be part of a talented team of singers whose voices are an essential part of worship at the cathedral.
Choristers perform at services, high profile occasions, events and concerts. In November of last year, York Minster’s choristers had the chance to meet and perform for His Majesty the King and the Queen Consort. They also take part in broadcasts for national media organisations such as BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM, recordings for classical music labels and tour abroad. The choristers are trained by Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster.
The auditions held earlier this year resulted in a full complement of girl choristers, but some spaces remain unfilled for the boys. Robert Sharpe said that he is keen to make sure that the boys remain at full strength.
He said: “There will be many families in York and the wider region with a son who absolutely loves singing and who might just be one of the boys that we are looking for. Previous experience of singing in a choir or group situation is absolutely not necessary.
“Parent and carers need not be daunted by the audition process nor by the commitment involved. At this stage we are looking to identify boys with musicality and potential, rather than recruiting a fully-formed singer. Energy, enthusiasm and a great sense of humour are just as important as musical talent and the time spent singing quickly becomes part of a child’s well-being and enjoyment.
“In addition to developing their musical skills, training as a chorister helps children to develop lifelong skills such as self-discipline, being organised, concentration, poise and attention to detail. This is a unique opportunity for a boy 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.”
York Minster’s choristers receive an excellent education at award-winning St Peter’s School, TES Independent School of the Year in 2021. St Peter’s is the fourth oldest school in the world, sharing its foundation with York Minster in 627AD with exciting plans being developed for the 1,400th anniversary in 2027. The Chapter of York provides a significant bursary for each chorister and families are supported through applications for means-tested funding which potentially increases the level of funding to 100%.
Commenting on the search for new boy choristers, 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.”
The new choristers will join the Choir of York Minster from September 2023. Parents are encouraged to make enquiries with St Peter’s as soon as possible. Full details can be found on the school’s website: www.stpetersyork.org.uk
Key milestone reached for York Minster’s Neighbourhood Plan project
Enabling works have begun at pace at York Minster following the arrival of two Portakabin® buildings to the Minster precinct this morning (Monday 23rd January).
The temporary buildings will facilitate the decant of the existing Stoneyard dating from 1914 to allow the creation of the Technology & Works Hub, one of the two new facilities of the Centre of Excellence, a world-class campus providing research, education and training in the heritage craft skills which are vital for the ongoing repair and conservation of the Minster.
York Minster and Shepherd Group, owners of the Portakabin brand, have a long history of working together. York-based Shepherd Construction supported on the restoration of the Minster Tower from 1967 to 1972, when six and a half miles of high tensile stainless-steel rods were inserted into foundations of the central and western towers, forming the reinforced stress frames that stabilised the towers.
The Centre of Excellence is the pioneer project in the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan, an ambitious masterplan ratified by City of York Council in June 2022. Expected to be finished by mid-2024, the arrival of the Portakabin buildings will allow pre-demolition survey work to begin, and will provide essential office and welfare accommodation for the Works department which is currently housed in the Minster Stoneyard.
York Minster has also submitted a planning application to City of York Council to sustainably convert and refurbish 1 Deangate in the Minster Precinct into offices and welfare facilities for its Visitor Experience staff and volunteers. The building is currently being used as temporary facilities for some of the Stoneyard trades, and will continue to be used as such during the redevelopment of its existing facilities.
If approved, the conversion of 1 Deangate will enable the Visitor Experience team to be housed together within an inspiring workspace, in turn allowing York Minster to further enhance the welcome it provides to over 700,000 visitors annually.
With plans for the building to be fully insulated and equipped with roof-mounted solar slates and air-source heat pumps, the proposals support the objectives of the Neighbourhood Plan, which has been developed with sustainability at its heart.
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “The arrival of the Portakabin buildings today is an exciting milestone in the delivery of the Centre of Excellence and forms part of the enabling works ahead of construction starting in the Spring. We’re delighted to again be working with Shepherd Group to further enhance and preserve this incredibly significant monument for so many across the world and are very grateful to them for their support with this project through their sponsorship of the temporary facilities.
“It is also good to see the next project of the Neighbourhood Plan start the next stage of development as we submit the planning application for the redevelopment of 1 Deangate. We are particularly pleased with the net zero retrofit element of this project which, if approved, will delivery onsite energy production through the installation of solar tiles, a fully insulated building and air source heat pumps – allowing us to reach another major milestone in our journey towards net zero”.
Dan Ibbetson, CEO of Shepherd Group and Portakabin comments: “York Minster is in the DNA of our City, and we’re delighted to be working with them once again. The ambitious plans they have match our aspirations to be a driving force behind innovative ways to support the future of construction. Heritage craft skills will play a huge part in honouring the past while preparing York and the Minster for an exciting future.”
For more information about the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan, click here.
York Minster welcomes Church of England proposals for Living in Love and Faith
The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, today welcomed proposals by the Bishops of the Church of England that will allow same-sex couples in a committed civil marriage or partnership, to be able to come to church for a service of prayers of thanksgiving, blessing and dedication for the first time.
Dominic also welcomed the decision of the bishops to issue an apology to the LGBTQI+ community for the “rejection, exclusion and hostility” they have faced in churches and the impact this has had on their lives. Both steps are key outcomes of Living in Love and Faith, the Church of England’s biggest ever listening exercise on questions of sexuality, gender, relationships and marriage carried out over the last six years.
Dean Dominic said: “The bishops’ recommendations are a key moment for the Church. They signify forward movement, acceptance and repentance for past hurt and pain and they also reflect the complexity and diversity of views in the Church on questions of sexuality, relationships and marriage. It is my hope that Synod will be happy to receive these recommendations and will encourage the bishops to enable the church to continue to journey forwards towards an ever greater welcome and inclusion of all of God’s children.
“I acknowledge that not everyone will be happy. Some will feel that the Church has gone too far – others that the Church has not gone far enough. There is plenty of room for the conversations to continue. It is my hope that these recommendations will be received in a spirit of generosity. I also pray that church communities everywhere will welcome same-sex couples unreservedly and joyfully and make their place of worship a safe and welcoming space. This is always the mission and ministry of York Minster.”
York Minster’s Commemoration for Holocaust Memorial Day
Six hundred candles in the shape of the Star of David will be lit at York Minster on Wednesday 25 January 2023, to remember more than 6 million Jewish people and the many other groups murdered by the Nazis in the Second World War and the millions who have died in the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
The Minster’s act of commemoration is part of a week-long programme of events taking place across the city of York to mark international Holocaust Memorial Day, which takes place on the 27 January each year. The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp – the largest Nazi death camp – in 1945.
The event at York Minster will begin with a Choral Evensong service at 5.30pm which is attended by representatives from York’s Jewish community and other faith communities.
This will be followed by a procession to the cathedral’s Chapter House for the act of commemoration, which also includes readings, music, poetry, prayers and periods of silence for quiet reflection.
The Revd Canon Maggie McLean, Canon Missioner at York Minster, said: “The international theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2023 is ‘Ordinary People’, which encourages people to reflect on the importance of those ordinary men and women who, although caught up in the events that surround them, find courage and humanity not to dehumanise other people and who offer small acts of kindness which might just be all it takes to give hope and offer a tiny glimmer of light in the darkest of moments”.
A New Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer for York Minster
The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, today announced the appointment of David Colthup as York Minster’s new Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer. David will start his new role on Monday 9 January 2023. He succeeds Kathryn Blacker who recently left the Minster for a new role at York Museums Trust.
David recently left the Army after a career spanning more than 30 years having originally commissioned into the Green Howards in 1989. He has commanded Yorkshire soldiers in various locations around the world on operations and training and most recently was the Director of Operations for all Army recruiting and initial training.
As Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer, David will oversee the cathedral’s complex and diverse day-to-day operations. He will lead and support a multi-disciplinary staff team delivering governance, security, safeguarding, HR, finance, retail, visitor welcome, events, learning, marketing, music, IT, historic collections and care of the buildings and land within the York Minster Precinct.
David will also build and maintain effective relationships with the Minster’s diverse array of external partners in the city, Diocese of York, Yorkshire and the north of England, the wider Church of England and networks such as the Association of English Cathedrals and the Cathedral Workshops’ Fellowship where he will have a trustee role.
Commenting on David’s appointment, Dominic said: “We are thrilled that David is joining the team at York Minster. In addition to his exceptional operational experience and expertise, David is an inspirational leader with a proven track record in supporting and valuing people and their contribution as individuals and teams. Efficient delivery of all of these services will enable the cathedral’s core purpose: the invitation to come to York Minster to discover God’s love as it has been revealed in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
David said: “I am hugely delighted and deeply honoured to have been appointed to this amazing role. I am really looking forward to the challenge of learning about the people, the place and the sheer complexity of this fascinating cathedral, the Mother Church of the Northern Province of the Church of England. I am particularly excited to have the opportunity to work with the great team of people at York Minster.”
David Colthup will be joining York Minster at an exciting moment of change. The ongoing development and implementation of the Neighbourhood Plan offers significant opportunities to create a sustainable and financially viable future for the cathedral and its precinct. He will also be in post in time to support the final stages of complex governance changes coming into effect with the new Cathedral Measure next year.
Biographical details – David Colthup
David Colthup commissioned into the Green Howards in 1989 and over the following 33 years served in various locations around Great Britain and in Kuwait, Iraq, Germany, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Belize and Afghanistan. His experience covers a wide range of roles and extends from working at the lowest levels in the Army all the way to the Ministry of Defence and as an advisor and mentor in Afghanistan. In the last decade he has gained significant experience of recruiting new talent for the Army and the management and delivery of all types of military training. He retains a close personal interest in both the Green Howards, as the Representative Colonel and a Trustee, and the Yorkshire Regiment of which he is Deputy Colonel of the Regiment and a Trustee. David has been married to Jane for almost 30 years and they have three children in their twenties who between them work in the Army, the City and Parliament.
Former York Minster chorister Naomi wins BBC Young Chorister of the Year Contest 2022
York Minster today celebrated the outstanding achievement of former chorister Naomi Simon who was yesterday announced as the winner of the BBC’s Young Chorister of the Year Contest.
Sixteen year-old Naomi, a chorister at York Minster from 2016 until 2020 and now a student and chorister at Rugby School, took the title in the contest final which was televised on BBC Two yesterday (Sunday 11 December). Samuel Brophy, 15, a former chorister from 2018 until 2020, also reached the final stage of the contest.
Naomi won through with a performance of the Christmas song ‘Mary, Did You Know’ composed by Lowry and Greene.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor at York Minster said: “There are no words to describe the absolute joy and pride of everyone at York Minster this morning. It was thrilling enough to have two former choristers make it to the final. To have Naomi win the title is simply overwhelming.”
“Being a chorister is a very special experience. As well as learning how to sing and perform the most sublime choral music, choristers also learn self-discipline, self-organisation, resilience and patience – skills that will prepare them for life. It is also great fun!”
“We hope Naomi’s achievement will inspire and encourage children who love singing to follow in her footsteps and explore the possibility of becoming a chorister.”
Double whammy for York Minster as former chorister Naomi makes the finals of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year Contest
Former York Minster chorister Naomi Simon was yesterday (4 December), announced as a finalist in this year’s BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest.
A student and chorister at Rugby School, Naomi, aged 16, will join former York Minster chorister Samuel Brophy – now a student at Bootham School, York – in the finals of the contest which will be broadcast on BBC Two on Sunday 11th December at 1.15pm.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor at York Minster said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have two former choristers performing in this year’s finals. Naomi and Sam are outstanding singers and we are proud that their singing journey began as choristers at York Minster.
“As well as nurturing raw singing talent, being a chorister equips children with a wide range of skills including resilience, self-organisation and self-discipline that will help to shape their learning for the future and prepare them for many life experiences.
“Regardless of the result next weekend, we hope that Naomi and Sam’s achievement will encourage and inspire more children to follow in their footsteps and think about being a chorister. Our prayers and best wishes go to both of them for the finals.”
Joy at York Minster as former Choristers make the semi-finals of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest
Two former York Minster choristers have reached the semi-finals of the prestigious BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest 2022.
Samuel Brophy aged 13, a chorister from 2018 until 2022, will perform in the boy’s semi-final this Sunday 27th November. Naomi Simon, aged 16, a chorister from 2016 until 2020, will perform in the girl’s semi-final on Sunday 4th December. Both semi-finals will take place at Gorton Monastery, Manchester and will be broadcast by the BBC. Sam and Naomi hope to make the national finals which will be broadcast on BBC Two on Sunday 11th December.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor at York Minster said: “We are delighted to learn that both of our former choristers, Naomi and Sam, have got through to the semi-finals of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest this year. The contest is tough and demanding but it is also a wonderful and potentially life-changing experience for these young singers.”
Sam is now a student at Bootham School, York, whilst Naomi is a student and chorister at Rugby School. Canon Vicky said: “There is quite a history of York Minster choristers doing very well in this competition and we are obviously very, very proud of Naomi and Sam’s achievement. Our prayers and best wishes go to both of them for the semi-finals.”
York Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival opens inside the medieval cathedral
The York Minster Christmas Tree Festival is returning to the cathedral this Advent and Christmas following the success of the first festival in 2021, with this year’s event taking place inside the medieval Minster.
The festival, which will open on Saturday 3 December with a special service for families, will feature nearly 40 trees decorated by local businesses, schools and charities set inside the cathedral’s stunning Chapter House and Lady Chapel.
Visitors will be able to see the trees decorated to individual themes, vote for their favourite tree in a ‘best dressed tree’ competition and add their own Christmas message to a tag to hang on one of the festival’s prayer trees.
The festival will open at 10am on Saturday 3 December with a special Saturday Mornings at York Minster session for families, which will include a short service in celebration of the festival opening.
Neil Sanderson, Director of the York Minster Fund, said: “We’re delighted to see the Christmas Tree Festival return for a second year following the success of the 2021 event.
“This year the festival will take place inside the Minster, with trees set inside the spectacular, medieval Chapter House and Lady Chapel.
“Nearly 40 trees will be decorated to individual themes, taking inspiration from a range of topics including seasonal stories, nature and festive traditions, and featuring diverse decorations from handcrafted items, to mythical creatures and Yorkshire inspired decorations. We hope the event will again spread some seasonal cheer while supporting one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.”
The trees for the festival have been provided by award-winning local company York Christmas Trees.
Through out the festival’s run, visitors will be able to vote for their favourite tree with the winning charity or school receiving a £200 prize and the winning business £200 to donate to a charity of their choice.
The Christmas Tree Festival will run from Saturday 3 December 2022 to Thursday 5 January 2023 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 festival forms part of a busy programme of services and events at the cathedral to mark Advent and Christmas. For full details visit yorkminster.org/whats-on/.
Welcome to Advent and Christmas at York Minster
York Minster is preparing to mark Advent and Christmas with traditional services, seasonal concerts and music and family-friendly events throughout December.
A time of busyness, anticipation and hope, the services, music and events at York Minster reflect the joy and poignancy of the Christmas story.
For the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, this will be his first experience of Advent and Christmas at York Minster since his installation as the 77th Dean of York last month. Dominic said: “At this very special time of year, we reflect on the heart-stopping vulnerability of the Holy family seeking a safe place for the birth of Jesus Christ. I look forward to welcoming you to York Minster – in person or from home via livestream – to celebrate the miracle and joy of Jesus’s birth.”
York Minster’s Advent and Christmas highlights are set out below (for full details go to www.yorkminster.org or telephone 01904 557200.)
Sunday 27 November, Advent Procession, 5.30pm
An atmospheric and breath-taking candlelit service of music, and prayers for Advent, in celebration of the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. This service will also be livestreamed. (Free tickets required.)
Friday 2 December, Sankta Lucia: Festival of Light, 7.30pm
An atmospheric, candlelit procession and carol service for all the family based on the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration (York Anglo-Scandinavian Society).
Saturday 3 December, Saturday Mornings at York Minster, 10.00am
Mark the opening of the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival with craft activities and a short service for all the family.
Saturday 3 December, the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival (until 5 January 2023)
Explore Christmas trees beautifully decorated to individual themes in the stunning Chapter House and the Lady Chapel. Free with general admission.
Saturday 3 December, Praetorius and Schütze with Gabrieli Roar, 7.30pm
School students will join Gabrieli Roar’s world-class musicians to present ‘In Dulci Jubilo’, a festive celebration of the spectacular music of Michael Praetorius and Heinrich Schütz.
Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December, Christmas Carol Concerts, 7.00pm
The Revd Richard Coles, author, broadcaster and presenter, is the reader for this year’s concerts featuring festive carols, readings and poetry. Music by the Choir of York Minster.
Saturday 10 December, The Snowman (by Carrot Productions), 2.30 and 7.30pm
Make it a Christmas to remember with a special screening of this family favourite accompanied by a live orchestra.
Saturday 17 December, The Archbishop of York reads The Sleepy Shepherd, 10.30am
Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, will give a reading from his book The Sleepy Shepherd in the Lady Chapel. An enchanting Christmas tale for children aged 5-7, the book tells the story of Silas, who as a boy, misses the visit of the angels and the chance to greet the Christ-child in Bethlehem. Years later as a grown man, he makes an important decision – to be a real shepherd to a man whose friends have all fallen asleep. This is a free non-ticketed event. Spaces will operate on a first come first served basis. All are welcome.
Saturday 17 December, Carols by Candlelight, 7.30pm
This annual favourite in the stunning Nave of York Minster will also include the Chapter House Choir, traditional choral items and festive music performed by the Handbell Ringers of the Chapter House Choir.
Tuesday 20 December, G4 Christmas, 7.30pm
Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting. Hear timeless classics as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Week Services at York Minster
Thursday 22 December, 5.30pm and Saturday 24 December, 4.00pm, Nine Lessons and Carols
The two traditional 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. (Free tickets required).
Christmas Eve – Saturday 24 December
11.30am, Crib Service
The Christmas story in a fun and accessible format with carols, musical accompaniment and the chance to see the crib. Children are encouraged to dress up as characters from the Nativity. (Free tickets required).
4.00pm, Nine Lessons and Carols
The second of two services consisting of nine special readings, carols sung by the York Minster Choir and hymns for everyone to join in. A traditional Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ (livestream available). (Free tickets required)
11.30pm, First Eucharist of Christmas
The First Communion of Christmas with Blessing of the Crib and choral music.
Christmas Day – 25 December
8.00am, Holy Communion
A service from the Book of Common Prayer.
10.00am, Choral Matins
A joyous service sung by the Choir of York Minster.
11.00am, Sung Eucharist
Christmas Day worship at York Minster with the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell and the Choir of York Minster (livestream available).
4.00pm, Choral Evensong
York Minster’s worship for Christmas Day ends with a service of Evensong, sung by the Choir of York Minster (livestream available).