Candlelit procession starts Advent in Norwich 

Norwich Cathedral was filled with candlelight for a special service that celebrated the start of Advent when about 750 people attended the Candlelit Advent Procession that took place on Advent Sunday (December 3).

The Dean of Norwich, the Very Rev Dr Andrew Braddock, said: “The service wove together the themes of waiting and hope as we reflected on the light of God’s love shining in the darkness of the world. It was a powerful start to Advent and our preparations for Christmas.”
 
Advent continues when the Cathedral Choir performs Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight on Saturday December 9, at 7pm and the Christmas with Norwich Cathedral Choir concert will take place on Friday December 15 at 7.30pm.
 
Below are some of the key highlights of Norwich Cathedral’s festive services and events. For the full details, visit cathedral.org.uk
 
Tree of Remembrance
Wednesday 6 December until Friday 5 January
Remember a loved one by placing a star on the Tree of Remembrance beside the Cathedral’s outdoor crib outside the Hostry.
Donations will go to TimeNorfolk, a local charity which provides support to people living in Norfolk and Waveney who have been affected by pregnancy loss.
 
Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight
Saturday 9 December, 7pm
Join Norwich Cathedral Choir, Norwich Baroque and a cast of internationally acclaimed soloists for our annual performance of Handel’s much-loved oratorio, in the beautiful candlelit surroundings of the Cathedral’s nave.
The concert will feature Emma Walshe Soprano, Judy Louie Brown Alto, David de Winter Tenor, Edmund Danon Bass and Ashley Grote Conductor.
Tickets £15/£25/£35 (£5 for under 18s in side aisles).
To book, visit cathedral.org.uk or call 0333 666 3366.
 
Sankta Lucia Festal Evensong
Wednesday 13 December, 5.30pm
A service of Evensong on St Lucy’s Day with the candlelit procession of ‘St Lucy.’
 
Christmas with Norwich Cathedral Choir
Friday 15 December, 7.30pm
Join Norwich Cathedral Choir for a feast of festive music, both sacred and secular, with carols for choir and audience, not forgetting the great 12 Days of Christmas sing-along!
Tickets £15/£20/£25 (£5 for under 18s in side aisles).
To book, visit cathedral.org.uk or call 0333 666 3366
 
Carols in the Cloister
Saturday 16 December, 4pm
Enjoy a carol singalong with the girl choristers in the stunning surrounds of the Cloister. Warm, colourful and festive attire is encouraged!
Free admission, with a retiring collection in aid of The Children’s Society.
 
Sunday Worship recording for BBC Radio 4
Tuesday 19 December, 7pm
On Tuesday 19 December at 7pm, a special service will be recorded at Norwich Cathedral to be broadcast on New Year’s Eve on BBC Radio 4’s Sunday Worship.
The Girl Choristers, Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars of Norwich Cathedral Choir will lead a reflection on the life of Mother Julian of Norwich, at the end of this 650th anniversary year of her ‘Shewings’.
All are welcome and no ticket is required. All those attending must be seated by 6.45pm at which time the Cathedral will close.
The service will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 31 December at 8.10am.
 
Choral Evensong live on BBC Radio 3
Wednesday 20 December, 4pm
On Wednesday 20 December at 4pm, BBC Radio 3 will be broadcasting Evensong live from Norwich Cathedral.
The Boy Choristers, Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars of the Cathedral Choir will sing and the music will be by Kerensa Briggs, Michael Nicholas, Kenneth Leighton and Matthew Martin.
All are welcome and no ticket is required.
The congregation must be seated by 3.45pm after which admittance will not be possible.
 
Christmas Procession with Carols
Friday 22 December, 7pm
Saturday 23 December, 3.30pm
Sunday 24 December, 3.30pm
Hear the story of Christmas told with carols and readings as the Cathedral Choir moves in procession through the whole Cathedral. The service will include the first performances of a new carol by Bob Chilcott, commissioned by the Dean and Chapter to celebrate the rebuilding of the Cathedral organ.
 
Crib Service
Sunday 24 December, 12 noon
Fun for all the family as the Christmas Story is brought to life in this informal service where children are invited to dress as characters from the Nativity and the Cathedral Children’s Choir will sing.

Midnight Mass
Sunday 24 December, 11.15pm
The traditional service sung by the Cathedral Choir to welcome in Christmas Day and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Please arrive early.

Family Eucharist of Christmas Day
Monday 25 December, 10.30am
Celebrate Christmas Day at this special service sung by Norwich Cathedral Choir.
 
Festal Evensong on Christmas Day
Monday 25 December, 3.30pm
A special Evensong for Christmas Day with carols sung by Norwich Cathedral Choir.
 
New Year’s Day Organ Recital
Monday 1 January, 11am
Norwich Cathedral’s Organist, David Dunnett, welcomes the New Year in with a selection of organ favourites.
Free admission, with a retiring collection.
 
The Epiphany Procession
Sunday 21 January, 3.30pm
Norwich Cathedral Choir leads this processional service with readings, choral music and carols celebrating the season of The Epiphany.
 
Britten: A Ceremony of Carols
Sunday 28 January, 6.30pm
The boys and girls of Norwich Cathedral Choir, with harpist Elizabeth Green, sing Britten’s ever-popular A Ceremony of Carols – first performed in Norwich Castle in 1942.
 
For full details of all of the Cathedral’s festive services and events, visit cathedral.org.uk

Picture of Advent Procession (c) Bill Smith/Norwich Cathedral.