Summer What's On 2024

This summer we will have exciting opportunities to explore and enjoy stories of Leicester, of faith, and of culture as we celebrate the new life our cathedral building is bringing.

Treat yourself to the beauty of choral evensong and recitals by talented young musicians. Bring a friend or relative to sing in the restored space of the Cathedral in Dementia Week. Laugh between the pillars at local Paul Gosling's Dr Watson comedy production. Reflect with us on Iain McKillop's extraordinary painting series Stations of the Resurrection. Explore the city's excavations with world renowned archaeologist Mathew Morris, and food growing in the heart of the city with Saffron Acres gardeners.

It will be great to see you.

The Very Revd Karen Rooms
Dean of Leicester

Thursday 9 May | 5.30pm
Ascension Day Choral Evensong
Ascension Day comes forty days after Easter and celebrates Jesus' ascension into heaven. Join us for a special Evensong with music sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Saturday 18 May | 3.00pm
Called Together Service
A Diocesan service of prayer and thanksgiving, celebrating the incredible variety and contribution of lay ministers in the Diocese of Leicester, with licensing of Associate Ministers. Please note the Cathedral will be closed for general visiting between 2.00–4.15pm for the service.

Thursday 6 June | 5.30pm
Service marking the Anniversary of D-Day
On this date, the UK will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings in 1944, leading to the end of the Second World War and the liberation of Europe. All are welcome to join us for a special service
with music sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Sunday 9 June | 3.30pm
Safeguarding Service
Praying for the Church as a safe space for all, and marking the work of safeguarding coordinators.

Sunday 16 June | 12.30pm
Final Service of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment
Please note the Cathedral will be open today between 1.30–3.30pm.

Saturday 29 June | from 11.00am
Armed Forces Day
On the last Saturday each June, the nation comes together to celebrate Armed Forces Day and show support for the men and women of our Armed Forces community, past and present. From 11.00am, all are welcome
to follow the Parade from the Leicester Clock Tower, followed by an outdoor service in Jubilee Square at 11.20am.

Saturday 29 June | 4.00pm
Ordination of Priests

Sunday 30 June | 10.30am
Ordination of Deacons

Every summer the Church of England celebrates the ordination of new deacons and priests. Ordination is a church service that marks the beginning of a lifetime of service as a member of the clergy.

During the service, ordinands make lifelong vows, which include promises to share the gospel and serve their communities. Newly ordained clergy begin their ministerial life as deacons. After a year, most deacons are ordained again as a priest, while some choose to remain as deacons throughout their ministry. This newest generation of clergy will join others in leading churches through prayer, teaching, and worship.

Please note on Saturday 29 June the Cathedral will be closed for general visiting from 3.00pm. On Sunday 30 June the Cathedral will open for general visiting at 12.30pm.

Saturday 17 August | 5.30pm
Service marking the Anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth
All welcome to the annual service of remembrance for the fallen of the Battle of Bosworth, when Richard III was killed and succeeded by Henry VII. With music sung by Cantores Vagantes, the early music studio.

Monday 13 May | 12.30pm
Lunchtime Recital: Ellis Thomas, Piano
Join us for a lunchtime recital performed by Philharmonia Fellow Ellis Thomas on the piano. Free admission, donations encouraged.

Wednesday 15 May | 2.00–3.00pm
Singing for the Brain
Part of Dementia Action Week, a special afternoon of Singing for the Brain with Kyle Newman – designed to be a fun, stimulating and social activity for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers. All welcome, no booking required!

Monday 27 May | 12.30pm
Lunchtime Recital: Philip Millward, Organ
Join us for a lunchtime recital performed by Philip Millward on the Organ. Free admission, donations encouraged.

Monday 10 June | 12.30pm
Lunchtime Recital: Anna Crawford, Cello (+ duet partner)
Join us for a lunchtime recital performed by Philharmonia Fellow Anna Crawford on the cello. Free admission, donations encouraged.

Wednesday 19 June | 7.00pm
Cathedral Music Showcase
A celebration and showcase of the work of the Cathedral's Music Department – featuring members of the Choir past and present. Presented with the Guild of St Katharine.

Monday 24 June | 12.30pm
Lunchtime Recital: Osnabruck Youth Choir
Join us for a lunchtime recital performed by Osnabruck Youth Choir. Free admission, donations encouraged.

Thursday 4 July | 7.30–8.30pm
Piano Concert: From South to Vienna
For her 2024 UK tour, renowned concert pianist Ida Pelliccioli has been inspired by the forgotten music of Spanish composer Manuel Blasco de Nebra (1750–1784). Her performance will take audiences on a journey from Blasco de Nebra's recently discovered keyboard music and Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas, through to the Viennese Classic style of Mozart and Schubert. Tickets: £15.00 Full / £12.00 Concession.
Booking essential: tickets available from Eventbrite, the Cathedral Welcome Desk, or on the door.

Monday 8 July | 12.30pm
Lunchtime Recital: Leicestershire Music Strings Ensemble
Join us for a lunchtime recital by students aged 13–18, performing a varied programme of summer chamber music directed by Phil Houghton. Free admission, donations encouraged.

Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 August | 8.00–9.30pm
Doctor Watson and The Teacups of Death
Crooked Hand Productions presents: Doctor Watson and The Teacups of Death. A full-length comedy play by local author, Paul Gosling. When Doctor Watson consults a noted hypnotist to cure his mid-life anxieties he appears to be cured. But not all is as it seems – he has become a pawn in a dangerous game that plans to bring down the Monarchy. Can his friend, Sherlock Holmes, save him and England from the evil plans of Professor Moriarty? Tickets: £12.00 Full / £10.00 Concession. Age 7+
Booking essential: tickets available from Ticketsource or on the door.

Sundays 12 May, 9 June, 7 July, 11 August | 12.15–1.00pm
Questions Together
In the Gospels, Jesus asks 307 questions. He is asked around 183 questions, but only answers three. In fact, Jesus often responded to a question with another question! Asking questions can empower us to learn and grow in our faith, but it can feel challenging, and finding answers can also be difficult.

Our monthly discussion group aims to offer a friendly space to ask questions (and practise giving answers!) about faith and discipleship. Everyone is welcome and there is no need to book a place. Join us as we ask, wonder, and share together!

In St George's Chapel after the Sunday Eucharist, no booking is required.

Thursdays 9 May, 6 June, 11 July, 8 August | 7.00–8.00pm, Zoom
Cathedral Book Club
Meeting online once a month over Zoom.

In May, we will be reading Stations of the Resurrection: Encounters with the Risen Christ – reflections by Guli Francis-Dehqani and Malcolm Guite on artwork by Iain McKillop, to coincide with the exhibition featuring in the Cathedral during April and May.

In June, we've decided to read An Intercultural Church for a Multicultural World by Bishop Martyn Snow.

Join us to help choose what we will read in future sessions. New members are always welcome – please email Jude.Taylor@LeicesterCofE.org.

Saturday 15 June | 9.30am
Summer Pilgrimage Walk
Join us on a prayerful walk through the city and its surroundings. Over the course of 2.5–3 hours, we will journey together, guided through a series of reflections. All are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Register via Eventbrite – available soon!

Saturday 13 July | 9.30am
Following Christ: 'ACross Culture'
What is intercultural discipleship, and what does it mean to disciple people across different cultures?

What can we learn from understanding discipleship from the perspectives of people from around the world, and how can this positively challenge what discipleship and growing in faith with others looks like in our churches?

Join us for an interactive day of workshops, guest speakers, reflection, networking, and worship as we practically explore how we can more inclusively journey in faith together. Taking place in both Leicester Cathedral and St Martins House.

This event is delivered in partnership between Leicester Cathedral and Leicester Diocese's Intercultural Worshipping Communities.

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.

Thursday 9 May | 7.00–9.00pm
Leicester Uncovered: The Most Excavated City in Britain
Leicester is an ancient city which has been continuously occupied for over 2,000 years. It was here before the Romans, an Iron Age tribal centre which grew into the Roman town Ratae Corieltavorum, which became the Mercian bishopric of Legorensis, which became the borough of Leicester.

Royal site, market town, industrial metropolis, modern multicultural city; every facet of Leicester's rich history survives to some degree beneath the city's streets waiting to be rediscovered.

Join archaeologist Mathew Morris from University of Leicester Archaeological Services for a talk about the city's archaeology and why, today, Leicester is one of the most excavated cities in Britain.
Tickets: £5.50 Full / £3.50 Concession. Available from Eventbrite.

Thursday 13 June | 6.30–8.30pm
Leicester Uncovered: Leicester Cathedral Revealed
The construction of Leicester Cathedral's new heritage learning centre has revealed a fascinating snapshot of life in Leicester over the past 2,000 years, including a possible Roman shrine, an Anglo-Saxon building and a burial ground in use from the late Saxon period to the 19th century. Join archaeologist Mathew Morris from University of Leicester Archaeological Services for a talk about the recent archaeological excavations at Leicester Cathedral and what they tell us about the lives of the people of St Martin's parish and the story of Leicester.
Tickets: £5.50 Full / £3.50 Concession. Available from Eventbrite.

Thursday 27 June | 6.30–8.30pm
Saffron Acres: A history and overview of a community food-growing and environmental project in the heart of Leicester
Saffron Acres is an award-winning open space in the centre of the Saffron Lane estate, managed by Saffron Lane Neighbourhood Council for the benefit of local people. Disused land was taken over in 2006 and quickly revitalised to provide funded work placements and volunteering opportunities, enabling local people to learn how to live more sustainably; grow their own produce, generate green energy, and live healthier lifestyles.
Tickets: £5.50 Full / £3.50 Concession. Available from Eventbrite.

Wednesdays 17 and 24 July
10.00am – 4.00pm

Calling all budding archaeologists (or those that just love digging and making things)!

Join us for this special drop-in event, to make a mosaic, excavate a dig box, design you own Roman altar, and more!

A Cathedral event in partnership with University of Leicester Archaeological Services.

Sunday 12 May | 3.30pm
Choral Evensong Together with St Ursula's Chapel, Wyggestons
Join us for a special service of Choral Evensong at St Ursula's Chapel, as part of our Together with Leicester Cathedral project.

Sunday 9 June | 4.00pm
Choral Evensong Together with St Nicholas and St Hughes Churches, the Parish of The Transfiguration
Join us for a special service of Choral Evensong at St Nicholas and St Hughes Churches, in the the Parish of The Transfiguration in Market Harborough, as part of our Together with Leicester Cathedral project.

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July | John Lewis, Leicester
Festival of Archaeology at John Lewis
Join the Leicester Cathedral team and the University of Leicester Archaeological Services as we take the exciting finds from Leicester Cathedral Revealed out and about to John Lewis in Leicester. See our pop up
exhibition about the discoveries, find out more about the objects, and speak to the team about what we have uncovered.

Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 August
Greenbelt
The communities of Leicester Cathedral and St Nicholas' Church will be at Greenbelt Festival at Boughton House Northampton this year. Join us for the weekend or for just a day. For more information talk to Bev.Collett@LeicesterCofE.org

Tuesdays 1.30–2.30pm
Thursdays 10.00am–12.00pm

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

Free drop-in activity!