Autumn What's On 2024

This autumn we are inviting you to pray with us certainly, and to hold solemn moments of remembrance and thankfulness.

We also wonder if you would like to come and be playful in this marvellous space?

Dance with us at one of our ceilidhs, sit on a giant swing, bring the children for a soft play adventure. Or join us for an adult craft evening or re-live forty years of The Smiths.

From the centring of a Quiet Morning or Sitar concert to an immersive Luxmuralis sound and light creation, you are invited to Leicester Cathedral as the days lengthen and the leaves fall.

We look forward to seeing you.

The Very Revd Karen Rooms
Dean of Leicester

Tuesday 3 September | 5.30pm
Service to mark the closure of the Christian Resources Shop
Giving thanks for its contribution and work in God's ministry in the Diocese.

Sunday 8 September | 3.30pm
Eucharist to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women to the Priesthood
Everyone is welcome to attend this celebratory service of Holy Communion. The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Acting Bishop of Coventry, will preach.

Sunday 15 September | 3.30pm
Choral Evensong celebrating 50 years of Leicester Cathedral Girls' Choir
In 1974, Leicester Cathedral became the first Church of England cathedral to establish a separate girls' top line. This special Evensong celebrates its 50th anniversary, and includes a new anthem, commissioned for the occasion from acclaimed composer Cecilia McDowall.

Sunday 22 September | 3.30pm
Service of Celebration with the Licensing and Installation of The Revd Dr Sarah Siddique Gill as Canon Missioner
Welcoming our newest member of clergy to the role of Canon Missioner.

Saturday 28 September | 3.30pm
Civic Service
A special annual service to welcome the Lord Mayor of Leicester.

Wednesday 2 October | 5.30pm
A service in lament of homelessness
In advance of World Homeless Day, a gentle occasion with prayers, music, candles, and silence – to remember those we have known who have died homeless on our streets and to stand in solidarity with all those who work to end homelessness.

Wednesday 9 October | 5.30pm
A service to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week
For bereaved parents, whether recent or in the past, together with families and friends to commemorate their babies' lives and to help in raising awareness about the issues which surround baby loss.

Sunday 3 November | 10.30am
Eucharist for the Feast of All Saints
The Concert Trombone Quartette is the UK's first period instrument trombone quartet specialising in historically informed performance practice. To mark the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth, they will join forces with the Senior Girls and Songmen of the Cathedral Choir to perform movements of Anton Bruckner's Mass in E minor in the Cathedral Eucharist.
The Cathedral will open for visiting at 12.30pm following the service.

Sunday 3 November | 3.30pm
Service of Remembrance
A performance of the Requiem in D Minor by Gabriel Fauré, with prayers and readings to remember loved ones. Sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Sunday 10 November | 10.30am
Cathedral Eucharist with Act of Remembrance
A short Act of Remembrance will also take place at 11.00am on Monday 11 November.

Saturday 14 September
O Sons and Daughters, let us sing: A Celebratory Concert
Singers past and present join forces to perform a range of repertoire from the Choir's last 50 years. Compered by Katie Breathwick, Classic FM presenter and former Leicester Cathedral Chorister.
Tickets £15/£12 available from Eventbrite. Doors open 7.00pm.

2 – 30 September
Exhibition: The Voice of the Choir
As well as uncovering and celebrating the story of the first Church of England cathedral girls' choir, we will delve into the wider history of choral music and life as a chorister. The exhibition will take audiences on a journey through the life of the Cathedral Choir, with recollections and memories from past choristers up to the present day. No booking necessary. Open during our normal visiting hours.

Thursday 19 September | 7.30pm
Leicester International Music Festival 2024 Concert I: British Chamber Music 1920–2022
The opening concert of the 2024 festival works by Bliss, Tippett, Madeleine Dring, Grace Williams, and leading contemporary composer Elena Langer. The concert will conclude with Warlock's moving setting of poems by W.B. Yeats, The Curlew, for tenor, cor anglais, flute and string quartet. Artistic Director, Nicholas Daniel (oboe) has brought together some of Britian's leading musicians: Katya Apekisheva (piano), The Carducci String Quartet, Adam Walker (flute), and Hugo Hymas (tenor). Doors open 7.00pm.
Tickets: £20 available from www.leicesterinternationalmusicfestival.org.uk

Friday 25 October | 6.30pm / 8.00pm
Ceilidh in the Cathedral
Twirl away the half-term with music from local band Moggy in the Wood, drinks from Huxley's Bar, and a friendly caller to guide you through the dances!
The Relaxed Ceilidh is aimed at children, to be accompanied by an adult, with an earlier time and shorter session to be kind to little legs. Groups should include a minimum of one adult for every four children. Under fives must be partnered by an adult and may need guiding or carrying through the dances.
The Ceilidh in the Cathedral (16+) is the perfect autumnal evening activity, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced Ceilidh dancer. Book your tickets via our website for a memorable evening of dancing, music, and laughter.
Tickets: £10 / £5 Child (3-16) / Concession £8 (Under 3 free) available from Eventbrite.
Relaxed Ceilidh for children up to 16 (accompanied by an adult): doors at 6.15pm, for 6.30pm start / Ceilidh for 16+ adults: doors at 7.45pm for 8.00pm start.

Saturday 26 October | 7.30pm
An Evening of Music & Light: Annual Diwali concert of Indian Classical Music
Join us for the annual concert of Indian Classical Music, in partnership with the Sitar Music Society, for the Diwali Festival of Lights. A recital of instrumental music by Debasmita Bhattacharya playing the Sarod, accompanied by Sanju Sahai on the Tabla.
Tickets available here. Children need to be accompanied by an adult. Doors open 6.45pm

Wednesday 30 October | from 6.30pm
The Cathedral Autumn Dinner
A celebratory evening featuring a drinks reception with canapés, sumptuous three-course meal, live music, auction, and a talk from Mathew Morris. Presented in support of the work of the Cathedral's Guild of St Martin and The Guild of St Katharine. For more information contact David.Pepworth@LeicesterCofE.org or call 0116 261 5344.

Thursday 7 November | 7.00pm / 9.30pm
The London Film Music Orchestra: Tribute to Hans Zimmer and Film Favourites
An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and cinema's most iconic music with a live chamber orchestra illuminated by light! Including: E.T., Jurassic Park, Jaws, Harry Potter, Star Wars and much more…
Tickets from £37.06 available from Eventbrite. Early concert – doors open at 6.30pm for 7.00pm. Late concert – doors open at 9.00pm for 9.30pm.

Saturday 9 November | 7.30pm
London Concertante: The Four Seasons and The Lark Ascending by Candlelight
Experience astounding music by one of classical music's greatest composers performed by some of the country's best classical musicians all presented by stunning candlelight – promising to bring Vivaldi's iconic Four Seasons to life in an extraordinary musical journey through nature's beauty, strength, and grace. Book now as a cherished gift for your favourite classical music lovers and for a night out truly like no other. Doors open 6.45pm. Tickets from £22.38 available from www.londonconcertante.com

Monday 11 November | 7.30pm
Music for Remembrance
Leicester Cathedral Choir presents a concert of music for Remembrance, including Maurice Duruflé's Requiem and his Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d'Alain, written in memory of the composer and organist Jehan Alain, killed in action in the Second World War.
Tickets £15 / £12 concession, available from Eventbrite. Doors open 7.00pm.

Saturday 16 November | 7.00pm
Hans Zimmer's Interstellar
A special concert marking 10 years since the release of Christopher Nolan's ground-breaking blockbuster. Organist Roger Sayer, who featured on the f ilm's official soundtrack, will bring Hans Zimmer's Oscar-nominated suite to life on the Cathedral Organ. Hear highlights from the film's iconic score, alongside intergalactic favourites from A Space Odyssey and Holst's The Planets. Sayer will take the audience on a journey through time and space, including a discussion and Q+A about his experience working with Nolan and Zimmer. Doors open 6.30pm. Get your tickets now for an out-of-this-world musical experience, suitable for all the family.
Tickets £15 / £12 concession, available from Eventbrite.

Saturday 30 November | 7.30pm
An Evening of the Smiths Let Me In presents 'An Evening of The Smiths'
A passionate, and gloriously pretentious ode to 40 years of The Smiths.
Tickets from £12.00 available from Eventbrite. Doors open 6.45pm.

Thursdays 12 September, 10 October, 14 November | 7.00pm
Cathedral Book Club
Our Cathedral Book Club meets online once a month. In September, we will be reading Jesus and the Powers by Tom Wright and Michael F Bird, and in October we will be reading Julian of Norwich's Teabag by Martin Wroe. Join us to help choose what we will read in future sessions. New members are always welcome – please email Jude.Taylor@LeicesterCofE.org.

Wednesdays 2, 9, 16 October
In person, St George's Chapel, 11.00am | Online, Zoom, 7.00pm
Bible Together: Luke
In this new short course, we will journey through extracts from the extraordinary stories of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as told from the perspective of Luke. We will read, listen and wonder together.For ages 11+ (children must be accompanied by an adult). Register via Eventbrite.

Exploring Faith?
Are you interested in journeying with others who would also like to know more about faith, discipleship
and church? All are very welcome – especially if you are new to church – to contact Jude (Jude.Taylor@LeicesterCofE.org) to register your interest.

Tours are subject to change so please check our website for up-to-date information.

Richard III Tours
Join us on a fascinating tour as our expert guides showcase the beautifully crafted tomb, the magnificent Tom Denny Redemption Windows, and the stunning funeral pall.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11.30am
Fridays at 2.30pm
Saturdays at 11.30am and 2.30pm

£3.50 per person. Accompanied children under 16 free. Tours last about 40 minutes and can be booked via Eventbrite or at the Welcome Desk.

Themed highlight tours
All tours start at 11.30am and are £3.50 per person. Accompanied children under 16 free. Tours last about 30 minutes and can be booked via Eventbrite or at the Welcome Desk.

Cathedral Windows | First Thursday of each month
Explore the beautiful windows of Leicester Cathedral in this illuminating windows tour. Find out more about the magnificent Great East window, the fabulous Richard III Redemption windows, the exquisite John Sarson memorial window and our James Thompson memorial window.

Evolution of Medicine | Second Thursday of each month
Join us on an absorbing exploration of the evolution of medicine from the middle-ages to the Victorian era and its connections to the parish of St Martin.

Prayer and Pilgrimage | Third Thursday of each month
Did you know that St Martin's church was on the pilgrimage trail in medieval times? Our enticing tour journeys back in time for an exploration of the act of pilgrimage and its evolution over time.

Carved in Stone | Fourth Thursday of each month
Stone has many uses in our heritage buildings. Often grand and imposing but sometimes delicate and exquisite. Join us on our fascinating tour which takes us on an exploration of the stone in our beautiful Cathedral.

Walking tours
Led by our expert guides, these guided walks will delight anyone with an interest in local history. All tours start at 2.00pm and are £5.00 per person. Accompanied children under 16 free. Tours last about 1 hour and can be booked via Eventbrite or at the Welcome Desk.

Leicester Cathedral to St Mary de Castro
Saturdays 6 July, 27 July, 17 August, 7 September
Starting from the Cathedral and ending at the historically significant St Mary de Castro church via Castle Gardens, this walk explores the medieval history of both sites and the various historic buildings along the route.

People of the Parish of St Martin
Saturdays 13 July, 3 August, 24 August, 14 September
During a recent archaeological dig at Leicester Cathedral twelve named burials were uncovered. This walking tour explores the lives of three of those found, all of whom lived within the parish boundaries in the 19th century – each having a fascinating story to tell.

Leicester Cathedral to St Nicholas Church
Saturdays 20 July, 10 August, 31 August, 21 September
Starting from Leicester Cathedral and ending at St Nicholas church, the oldest place of worship in the city, this walking tour explores the long history of both sites and the various historic buildings along the route.

Tuesday 22–Thursday 24 October | 10.00am–4.00pm
Haymarket Shopping Centre
Visit us as we take the Cathedral out and about to the Haymarket Shopping Centre. Have a go at our special space themed activities, find out more about the archaeological finds from the Leicester Cathedral Revealed project and discover all the exciting things to come at Leicester Cathedral.

Sunday 10 November | 10.30am
City Act of Remembrance at Victoria Park
The annual city act of remembrance with music sung by members of the Cathedral Choir at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park

Tuesday 22 October: 1.30–3.30pm
Thursday24 October: 10.00am–12.00pm

Pop into the Cathedral and join in our crafty and creative Cathedral fun.

Free drop-in activity!

Plants and Play
by Mandeep Dhadialla
12 - 31 October

A unique installation by artist Mandeep Dhadialla, presented in association with Art Reach, this interactive artwork highlights the importance of play for our wellbeing. Using the fun and familiar element of a garden swing, people of all ages are invited to take a seat and swing while surrounded by a stunning suspended paper garden with large, vibrant flowers, fruits, foliage, and wildlife. The installation showcases how play can uplift spirits, foster community bonds, and encourage conversations about the environment. Swing amidst this magical garden and see how play can bring us all closer together, while also reminding us of the beauty of nature and the importance of caring for our environment. Feel the joy of play and let it transform your visit into an extraordinary adventure.
Free entry

Saturday 12 October | 7.00–10.00pm
Games Night at the Cathedral
We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate play than with a games night in the Cathedral! With music, drinks and plenty of games provided by Reroll. Get your tickets for a playful evening of fun and games, suitable for all the family. A relaxed and drop-in format, feel free to arrive and leave at any time.
Tickets: £10.00 Full / £8.00 available from Eventbrite.

Thursday 17 October | 7.00–10.00pm
Craft Night at the Cathedral
Have a go at three craft making sessions, including one with the artist behind the installation, Mandeep Dhadialla. Relax in one of our cosy crafting corners and enjoy the music and bar. A creative evening of making. Aimed at 16+. A relaxed and drop-in format, feel free to arrive and leave at any time.
Tickets: £15.00 Full / £12.00 available from Eventbrite.

Saturday 19 October | 10.00am–2.00pm
Open Play
Transforming the Cathedral into a giant play space for babies, toddlers, and children up to 8, join us for an exciting multisensory open-ended play experience, including soft play, where children lead the way! Open Play is an early years programme dedicated to child-led play in museums, galleries, and cultural spaces. They create inclusive and welcoming spaces through multisensory art and play.

Thursday 24 October | 7.00pm
Cinema in the Cathedral: The Secret Garden
Experience the mystery and beauty at the heart of the 1993 classic The Secret Garden (PG), before enjoying the swing in the Cathedral amidst a magical suspended garden of large, vibrant flowers, fruits, foliage, and wildlife. The screening will be relaxed and is suitable for all ages. Drinks and snacks will be available to purchase at the venue.
Tickets £8.00 / £5.00 available from Eventbrite.