Advent and Christmas
Specifications
- Product Name: Gloucester Cathedral Advent and Christmas
Celebration - Event Dates: Advent and Christmas period
- Location: Gloucester Cathedral
- Services Offered: Advent Carol Service, Family Crib Service,
Cathedral Carol Service, Midnight Mass, Cathedral Eucharist for the
Celebration of the Epiphany, Faithful Generations Day, Candlemas
Carol Service, Christmas Day Eucharist
Product Usage Instructions
Attending Services
1. Check the schedule of services to find the ones you would
like to attend.
2. No tickets are required, but seating is on a first-come,
first-serve basis, so arrive early to secure a seat.
3. Follow the designated service timings for each event.
Additional Events
1. Grandparents and children can participate in the Faithful
Generations Day event. Book online for admission.
2. Enjoy the Teenage Voices Project Christmas Concert for
world-class music.
Further Details
For more information and the complete schedule of worship, visit
the official website at www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
FAQ
Q: Are tickets required for the services?
A: No, tickets are not required, but seating is on a first-come,
first-serve basis.
Q: Can anyone attend the events?
A: Yes, all are welcome to join the services and events during
Advent and Christmas at Gloucester Cathedral.
Q: How can I participate in the Faithful Generations Day
event?
A: Grandparents and children can join the event by booking
online for free admission.
ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT
this Advent and Christmas at
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL 2024
A message from the Dean of GLOUCESTER
We are delighted to invite you to Gloucester Cathedral this Advent and Christmas to embrace the spirit of this special time of year. We hope that you will find here some tranquillity in the midst of the busyness of this season at a variety of reflective services, where we will celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ, in our stunning decorations, and with some world-class music from our outstanding choirs.
At the centre of the anticipation and celebration is the birth of Jesus Christ. In a world that often feels chaotic and divided, we can find comfort in the promise that “all is calm, all is bright” because of his birth. During this season, I invite you to reflect on his love and to share his light with others, bringing joy and hope to all around us, whoever they are and whatever their circumstances might be. We need this love and light more than ever in our world today.
Whether you are a regular worshipper, or have never visited before, we shall much look forward to seeing you at Gloucester Cathedral this Advent and Christmas. Please be assured that the warmest of welcomes will await you!
The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni,
DEAN OF GLOUCESTER
Son of GOD, love’s PURE LIGHT
All are warmly welcome to join us for worship during Advent and Christmas. Our main services are listed below.
No tickets are required for these services, but seating will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis so we recommend arriving in good time.
Advent Carol Service
Sunday 1 December, 6pm A majestic service marking the beginning of the new Christian year.
Family Crib Service
Saturday 21 December, Monday 23 December and Tuesday 24 December, 2.30pm Our Family Crib Services are among the most loved events in our calendar – perfect for getting families into the festive spirit.
Cathedral Carol Service
Sunday 22 and Monday 23 December, 6pm Expect traditional readings and carols, with music from our Cathedral Choirs at these special services.
Midnight Mass
Tuesday 24 December, 11.15pm An atmospheric service marking the start of Christmas Day.
Cathedral Eucharist for the Celebration of the Epiphany
Sunday 5 January, 10.15am Join us in commemorating the visit of the Three Kings to the baby Jesus Christ.
Faithful Generations Day
Saturday 1 February, from 12noon Grandparents and the children they love are invited for a fun and creative afternoon to explore Christian faith and spirituality together through prayer spaces, activities, interactive workshops and more. Admission is free, but please book online.
Candlemas Carol Service
Sunday 2 February, 6pm A beautiful, candlelit service, complete with traditional choral music and readings, bringing the Christmas season to an end.
Christmas Day Eucharist
Wednesday 25 December, 10.15am All are welcome as we come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
For further details and our full pattern of worship visit:
www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk
HEAVENLY hosts sing ALLELUIA
Enjoy world-class music in breathtaking surroundings this festive season!
Teenage Voices Project Christmas Concert
Thursday 28 November, 6pm Every term, we work with two Gloucestershire schools as part of our Teenage Voices Project. All are welcome to come and hear the culmination of their hard work at this special Christmas concert. This concert is free, with a retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music.
Chorister Coffee Concert
Saturday 30 November, 11am Join the Cathedral Choristers as they perform beautiful seasonal music in the serene setting of the Chapter House. Tickets are available on the door for £10, with proceeds going towards Gloucester Cathedral’s In Tune Music and Organ campaign.
Carols on the Hour
Saturday 7 December, 11am 3.30pm The Cathedral choirs are ready to lift your spirits with joyful festive music. They will perform bite-sized bursts of festive praise on the hour every hour. No booking is required. Simply turn up and enjoy!
Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur
Sunday 15 December, 6.30pm Join us for Jonathan Hope’s annual performance of Messiaen’s kaleidoscopic 9-movement organ cycle for Christmas. Admission is free with a retiring collection in aid of Cathedral Music.
We are delighted to be hosting the following events in
partnership with organisations from across our COMMUNITY
Meningitis Now Christmas Concert
Wednesday 27 November, 7.30pm Tickets £12
Gloucester City Mission’s Christmas Carol Concert
Friday 29 November, 7.30pm Free admission, no booking required
Gloucester Choral Society presents Handel’s Messiah
Saturday 30 November, 5pm Tickets from £10, students/under 25s £5
Friends of Gloucester Cathedral Christmas Carol Celebration
Thursday 5 December, 5.30pm Tickets £12 for members and £14 for their guests
Saint Cecilia Singers Christmas Concert
Friday 13 December, 8pm Tickets £20 (including a glass of mulled wine!)
Ecclesiastical’s Christmas Carol Celebration
Tuesday 17 December, 7.30pm Details for this concert are online
Gloucester Morris Men and Mummers Dance on Cathedral Green
Thursday 26 December, 12noon Free admission, no booking required
Carols for All with Gloucester Choral Society
Thursday 26 December, 3pm Free admission, no booking required
Find out more information online at www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk
ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT
From Friday 6 December,
Gloucester Cathedral will be beautifully decorated for Advent and Christmas. Majestic trees will stand tall in the Nave and Quire, the Cloisters will look
wonderfully festive and you may even discover a few hidden delights along the way…
Cathedral Christmas Experience at NIGHT
Our beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm of Gloucester Cathedral after dark. Enjoy live performances from Cathedral musicians and friends, with a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate from the Monk’s Kitchen. Friday 6, Saturday 7, Saturday 14, Thursday 19, Friday 20, Saturday 21 December, 5.45pm-8.45pm (last entry 7.45pm) General Admission: Adult £8, Child £3
Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Cathedral during regular opening
hours. Entry is by voluntary donation.
Find out more on our website: www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk
Make your Christmas Experience at Night extra special with an unwrapped ticket
Peek behind the scenes in the medieval library or see the city at night from the top of the tower. On selected dates, find out more online.
Unwrapped Tower Tours:
Adult: £20, Child (6-17 years): £10
Unwrapped Library Tours:
Adult: £12, Child (6-17 years): £6
Book online at: www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk
A PLACE for FAMILY FESTIVE FUN
Once upon a STAR: The Christmas story!
From 6 December 5 January
Discover the story of the very first Christmas on this exciting family trail. As you journey towards the star, see who you can find along the way and uncover the story of that holy night. We are delighted to have WSP Solicitors sponsoring the Christmas Trail this year. Pick up your free trail map from the Welcome Desk during open hours.
Meet St Nicholas at Gloucester Cathedral
Saturday 14 December, 10am-4pm Learn about the origins of Father Christmas and meet St Nicholas himself. Each child will receive an age-appropriate book gift. Families can also enjoy festive Christmas crafts and join in a fun scratch Nativity. No booking required, free of charge.
Get into the Christmas Spirit with us this year
Find out more on our website: www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk
Christmas Library Tours
Saturday 7 December, various times Make your visit extra special with a tour of the Cathedral’s beautiful, hidden 15th Century monastic library. Whilst the Cathedral is filled with carols, explore the Christmas story from our treasured collection of historic Bibles in this beautiful, hidden space. Adult Ticket £12, Child Ticket £6 Book online.
Christmas Foodbank Collection we need your support!
Get into the community spirit at Gloucester Cathedral, by donating items for Gloucester Foodbank. Between 30 November and 19 December we invite you to drop off donations at the collection point in the Nave. Please visit the website for more information on items the Foodbank need your help with.
UNLOCKING MUSICAL OPPORTUNITY AND POTENTIAL
SUPPORT THE
IN TUNE
MUSIC and ORGAN Campaign
It wouldn’t be Advent and Christmas without the heavenly sound of our choirs filling this beautiful building. By supporting the In Tune campaign, you can help bring the joy of music and singing to children throughout the city, county and diocese. Through workshops and performances at the Cathedral, we aim to inspire young musical talent.
The campaign aims to raise £3 million by 2026, which will fund the launch of Singing and Organ Academies at Gloucester Cathedral, as well as the rebuilding of the historic Cathedral organ. Help us unlock musical opportunities for the next generation.
Support a PIPE!
Preserve a piece of the Cathedral’s heritage by supporting one of our historic organ pipes. For £25 you can support a 1′ pipe For £50 you can support a 2′ pipe For £100 you can support a 4′ pipe We are so grateful for any donation you’re able to give.
SCAN ME TO DONATE
Cathedral Gift Shop
Finish your Christmas shopping at the Cathedral Gift Shop, which offers a fantastic selection of unique and locally-sourced items!
The Monk’s Kitchen
NATIVI-TEA
The NATIVI-TEA returns!
Monday 2 December Tuesday 24 December
Complete your festive visit with a trip to The Monk’s Kitchen for their delightful Nativi-tea! This tasty twist on a traditional afternoon tea comes complete with a homemade mince pie, home-made white chocolate and cranberry fudge and mulled wine.
The Nativi-tea costs £18.50 per person. Please call the Monk’s Kitchen on 01452 689 755 to book!
We want to hear your FEEDBACK
Have you visited us recently?
If so, we want to hear from you! We are running a survey to help us learn more about our visitors and how we can offer the best experience.
Please use the camera on your phone to scan this QR code to start the survey. It should take around 5 minutes to complete.
12 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX
For more information about visiting us this Advent and Christmas please go to our website:
www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk
t: 01452 528095
Documents / Resources
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GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL Advent and Christmas [pdf] User Guide Advent and Christmas, Advent, and Christmas, Christmas |