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1 Opening Times The Cathedral is open all year round 8.30am pm Entry is FREE All donations are gratefully received. Our Box Office is located in the Cathedral Shop or you can call or book online at How to Get Here The Cathedral is situated in the centre of the historic and beautiful city of St Albans. It is easily reached by car and public transport with good links from the M1 and M25, and is just 20 minutes by train from Central London. For full travel information, please go to: For the latest information visit our website and sign up to our What s On Newsletter St Albans Cathedral Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 1BY Telephone: mail@stalbanscathedral.org

2 What s On St Albans Cathedral September December 2017 Includes Christmas Programme (c) Uli Robertson (c) Robert Corran Music Tours Family Fun Services Number One St Albans Visitor Attraction

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4 A Warm Welcome Awaits You at St Albans Cathedral St Albans Cathedral stands over the place where Alban, Britain s first saint, was buried after giving his life for his faith over 1700 years ago. There are many unique sights to take in when you visit the Cathedral, plus an exciting programme of events, tours, Christmas services and carol concerts which you can find out about in this guide. We look forward to seeing you soon. Contents Page 4-5 Top Ten Highlights 6-9 Music 10 Fireworks Christmas 16 Special Services 17 Regular Services 18 Tours 19 Family Fun Talks 22 Visitor Information Occasionally additional services and events will be added at short notice please check the website for updates or call Information is correct at time of going to print. For all the latest news on the Cathedral s plans, sign up to our Alban, Britain s First Saint blog: albanbritainsfirstsaint.wordpress.com

5 Top Ten Highlights 1 The Shrine of Saint Alban The Shrine of Saint Alban is a site of national Pilgrimage and people have been coming here for over 1700 years. It is used as a place of prayer and stillness by visitors every day. 2 The Longest Nave in England At 85 metres, St Albans Cathedral has the longest nave in England. 3 The Bell Tower St Albans is the only major church in England with a great crossing tower of the 11th century still standing. 4 The Watching Loft From the Watching Loft, monks and townsmen kept guard over Alban s Shrine. 5 Stunning Medieval Wall Paintings The Cathedral has one of the oldest and most extensive series of medieval wall paintings surviving today, ranging from the late 12th century to the 16th century. 6 Christmas at the Cathedral Don t miss the wonderful atmosphere in the Cathedral during Christmas. Special services and carol concerts take place throughout December and there is also a Christmas Market in the Cathedral Quarter. 7 Choral Evensong Time your visit to enjoy the beautiful singing of the Cathedral Choirs at Evensong. Tuesday to Friday 5pm. Saturday 4pm. Sunday 6.30pm. Outside of term time, there may be a visiting choir or short said service. 8 The Lady Chapel This 14th century extension to the church is dedicated to Mary the Mother of Jesus. 9 The Rose Window The magnificently coloured stained glass by Alan Younger was added to Grimthorpe s north transept rose window, and unveiled in 1989 by Diana, Princess of Wales. 10 Nave Statues Seven statues of martyrs, sculpted by Rory Young, installed in the niches of the medieval nave screen in FREE Guided Tours of the Cathedral are available daily at the following times: 11.30am Monday to Saturday 2pm Saturday 2.30pm Sunday to Friday If your time is limited, our Highlights Tour takes place at 1.05pm every day of the week. 4 Follow us on

6 1 2 3 (c) Luke Watson (c) Sally Jones 9 10 (c) Donato Cinicolo 5

7 Music The autumn/winter season promises a rich programme of musical events. Please see pages for Christmas recitals and carol concerts. (c) Chris Christodoulou Sunday Afternoon Organ Recital Date: Sunday 10th September Time: 3pm Simon Johnson, Organist & Assistant Director of Music, St Paul s Cathedral, London Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music funds. St Albans International Organ Festival Gala Concert Date: Saturday 23rd September Time: 5.30pm Prize-winners of the 2017 Competition. Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of the IOFS. The Sixteen Choral Pilgrimage Date: Saturday 30th September Time: 7.30pm With pre-concert talk at 7pm Conductor: Harry Christophers World renowned choir The Sixteen return to St Albans Cathedral to perform choral music by Poulenc and Palestrina. Lunchtime Organ Recital Date: Wednesday 4th October Time: 12.30pm Martyn Rawles, Organist and Assistant Director of Music, Lichfield Cathedral Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music funds. 6

8 Code Breaker and Ode to a Nightingale Date: Saturday 7th October Time: 7.30pm Hertfordshire Chorus plus members of Nashville in Harmony and One Voice Chorus with London Orchestra da Camera Conductor: David Temple Zoë Brookshaw (soprano) Codebreaker (James McCarthy) tells the story of Alan Turing through his own words and extracts from the works of Wilfred Owen, Sara Teasdale, Edward Thomas, Robert Burns and Oscar Wilde s De profundis. Ode to a Nightingale (Will Todd) is a wonderful setting of John Keats famous poem, pulsating with romantic imagery and emotion. St Cecilia Festival Chorus (Hardynge Choir, Radlett Choral Society and St Albans Chamber Choir) Date: Saturday 14th October Time: 7.30pm Conductor: John Gibbons with St Albans Symphony Orchestra Rachmaninoff: The Bells Borodin: Polovtsian Dances Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture Shostakovich: October Sunday Afternoon Concert Date: Sunday 22nd October Time: 3pm Nicholas Freestone, Organ Scholar, St Paul s Cathedral, London Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music funds. St Albans Your local supplier of high quality, low priced print London Road, St Albans, AL1 1NG Call the Box Office on

9 Music Come and Sing: Fauré s Requiem Date: Saturday 4th November Time: 2.30pm rehearsal, 6.30pm performance An opportunity to learn Fauré s Requiem for Remembrance in an afternoon, with the Master of the Music at St Albans Cathedral, Andrew Lucas, for a performance at the Cathedral in the evening. More information can be found at Lunchtime Organ Recital Date: Wednesday 8th November Time: 12.30pm Johan Hammarström, Organist, Västerås Cathedral, Sweden Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music funds. Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) Strauss: Vier letzte Lieder (Four Last Songs) Date: Saturday 18th November Time: 7.30pm St Albans Bach Choir with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra Conductor: Andrew Lucas Soloists: Lucy Crowe (soprano) and Edward Grint (baritone). The largest single work by Johannes Brahms is less a requiem for the dead, more an act of consolation for the bereaved. Deeply moving, profound and powerful, its status as one of the greatest monuments of choral music is unchallenged. Balancing serenity and melancholy the final songs written by Richard Strauss are among his most exquisite creations as he bids farewell to life and art. Providing home care, support and companionship Call Kay to discuss the range we can provide for you or an elderly loved one Call the Box Office on

10 St Albans International Organ Festival Organ Recital Date: Saturday 25th November Time: 5.30pm Arvid Gast, Lübeck Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of the IOFS. New Year s Day Celebration Concert St Albans Symphony Orchestra Date: Monday 1st January Time: 7pm Conductor: Tom Hammond St Albans Symphony Orchestra s traditional New Year Concert welcomes 2018 with a mix of classic American scores and favourite British light music in the glorious surroundings of St Albans Cathedral. Bernstein: Candide Overture Copland: Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo Gershwin: An American in Paris Goodwin: 633 Squadron Coates: By the Sleepy Lagoon ( Desert Island Discs theme) Arnold: Scottish Dances I and III Coates: Three Bears Phantasy Wood: My Native Heath: Barwick Green ( The Archers theme) Farnon: Westminster Waltz How to Book Your Tickets Tickets are available online at by telephoning or by visiting our Box Office (located in the Cathedral Shop) between 10am 4.45pm Monday to Friday, 10am 3.45pm on Saturday and 1pm 5pm on Sunday. Enquiries about events can be sent to boxoffice@stalbanscathedral.org Tickets and/or programmes will also be available for all events at the door on the night, unless previously sold out. Dates For Your Diary International Organ Festival Recital Saturday 20th January Herts Chorus Saturday 17th February 9

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13 Christmas We hope you can join us to celebrate this special time. Services and Carol Concerts which are particularly suitable for young children are marked with a star *. Bach by Candlelight Saturday 2nd December Time: 7.30pm Join Mosaic for an evening of JS Bach s most festive and uplifting music in the candlelit glory of St Albans Cathedral with Amadeus Chamber Orchestra Conductor: Andrew Lucas Tickets available from the Cathedral Box Office. Advent Procession Sunday 3rd December Time: 6.30pm Sung by the Cathedral Choir. A beautiful candlelit service of readings and music, marking the start of Advent. Willow Foundation Carol Concert Tuesday 5th December Time: 7.30pm The Willow Carol Concert is a very special way to start Christmas. You ll be treated to the spectacular voices of the Hertfordshire Chorus alongside the opportunity to sing some carols yourself. Join Willow, together with our Co-Founders and Life Presidents, Bob and Megs Wilson, for this wonderful evening of festivities. Tickets available from the Cathedral Box Office. St Albans Bach Choir Christmas Carols Saturday 9th December Two concerts of Christmas music and readings performed by the St Albans Bach Choir. Conductor: Andrew Lucas Time: 3pm* Family Carol Concert (suitable for young children) Time: 7pm Evening Carol Concert Tickets available from the Cathedral Box Office. Christmas Cards for Good Causes Celebrating 30 years at St Albans Cathedral On sale from 16th October -17th December 12 (c) Sally Jones

14 Christingle Service* Sunday 10th December Time: 3pm Children and adults alike love this enjoyable service, which ends in candlelight. Organ Meditation Sunday 10th December Time: 5.15pm Tom Winpenny, Assistant Master of the Music, plays the famous Christmas cycle La Nativité du Seigneur by Olivier Messiaen. Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music. Tom Winpenny s recording of this work is available from the Cathedral Shop. Carols on the Hour* Saturday 16th December Take a break from Christmas shopping and enjoy a very special Cathedral event! Each carol service lasts just 30 minutes - enough time to sing some uplifting carols with the Cathedral choirs and local visiting choirs, and to get a real taste of Christmas in this beautiful, atmospheric Cathedral. No tickets required. Time: On the hour, every hour from 11am to 4pm The Hospice of St Francis Christmas Carol Concert Sunday 17th December Time: 3pm Harpenden Choral Society and Sir John Lawes School Choir. A festive afternoon of popular carols and Christmas readings in aid of The Hospice of St Francis. The perfect opportunity to bring friends and family together at this special time of year. Conductor: John Andrews Tickets available from the Cathedral Box Office. Festival of Lessons and Carols Thursday 21st December Time: 7.30pm Friday 22nd December Time: 7.30pm Sung by the Cathedral Choir. Admission is by ticket only, available by public ballot. For more information and details of how to apply please go to or call

15 Christmas Eve Combined Eucharist Time: 10am Sung by the Parish Singers. A combined celebration to mark the final Sunday in Advent before Christmas celebrations begin in the afternoon. Crib Service* Time: 2.30pm A very popular and lively service lasting no more than an hour, and intended mainly for children and young families. Children visit the crib in the Cathedral and join in singing carols. Choral Evensong for Christmas Time: 5.30pm A beautiful, quiet and reflective service sung by the Abbey Girls Choir, marking the end of Advent and the beginning of Christmas. This service is not suitable for very young children. Midnight Mass Time: 11.30pm The first celebration of Christmas, with carols and the glorious singing of the Cathedral Choir. The doors of the Cathedral will be open from 10.50pm Christmas Day Eucharist with Carols Time: 8am Parish Eucharist for Christmas Day* Time: 9.30am A Christmas service for all ages with crèche and children's activities. Sung by the Abbey Girls Choir and the men of the Cathedral Choir. Matins for Christmas Day Time: 11.15am A service sung by the Cathedral Choir. Eucharist Time: 12.30pm A quiet service without music following Matins. Following the 12.30pm service the Cathedral will be closed for the rest of Christmas Day, but is otherwise open daily throughout the Christmas period. Boxing Day Eucharist Time: 9am and 12pm Carols on Boxing Day Time: 4pm Why not drop in if you're out for a walk in the park and enjoy this short and informal carol service with a visit to the crib? 14 Please note there are no Guided Tours

16 Christmas Tower Tours Dates: Saturday 25th November 11:30am, 1pm, 2.30pm Wednesday 29th November 11am, 12.30pm Saturday 2nd December 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm Wednesday 6th December 11am, 12.30pm Price: 9 Book now! For more information on booking a Christmas Tower Tour please see page 18. Abbot s Kitchen Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to Abbot's Kitchen at St Albans Cathedral. Our Festive Menu will be available in December so why not come along and bring family, friends or colleagues (the more the merrier!). To ensure that you are not disappointed, remember to book your table. We look forward to seeing you! Christmas Dinners available upon request. For more information or to make a reservation: Call: or abbots@elior.co.uk A wonderful range of Christmas gifts, books and decorations is available from the Cathedral Shop, including: Nativities Advent Candles Decorations Glass Angels on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 15

17 Special Services For Christmas Services see pages Harvest Festival Date: Sunday 1st October Time: 9.30am Join us for an all age celebration for Harvest with an opportunity to bring gifts of food for our local foodbank. The Mayor of St Albans Civic Service Date: Sunday 15th October Time: 11.15am Sung by the Cathedral Choir. Taizé Service Date: Sunday 29th October Time: 6.30pm An evening service with instrumental music, a meditation and singing. Choral Eucharist for All Souls Date: Thursday 2nd November Time: 5pm Sung by the boys of the Cathedral Choir. The High Sheriff s Justice Service Date: Sunday 5th November Time: 11.15am Matins attended by Her Majesty s Judges. Sung by the Cathedral Choir. Armistice Day Date: Saturday 11th November Time: 11am There will be a two minute silence and act of remembrance in the Cathedral. Remembrance Sunday Date: Sunday 12th November Time: 10.55am A Choral Requiem, including a two minute silence at 11am, to remember all those who died during the World Wars and all those who continue to suffer or die through warfare. 16

18 All are welcome at Cathedral services. Sunday Services 8am The Eucharist 9.30am Parish Eucharist 10.30am Prayers for Healing (3rd Sunday) 11.15am Choral Eucharist (1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday) 11.15am Matins (3rd Sunday) 12.15pm The Eucharist (3rd Sunday) 6.30pm Evensong Weekday Services 7.30am 8am 12pm 5pm Morning Prayer The Eucharist The Eucharist at the Shrine of Saint Alban Evensong (Evening Prayer on Monday) On Fridays, the service at 12 noon is the Roman Catholic Mass. Saturday Services 8.30am 9am 12pm 4pm Our Regular Services Morning Prayer The Eucharist The Eucharist at the Shrine of Saint Alban Evensong Services Once a Month 2nd Wednesday 10am Mothers Union Eucharist 3rd Wednesday 10am Teddy Bear Service Ecumenical Services We hold regular services of different Christian denominations. Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated every Friday at 12pm German Lutheran A service in German on the last Tuesday of every month at 7pm Free Church The first Wednesday of every month at 11am Orthodox Monthly on Tuesdays at 10.30am (check our service list for dates). A Day Chaplain is available for consultation on most days. At other times please ask to see a member of the Cathedral staff. Occasionally, special services interrupt our usual pattern of worship. A full, monthly Service & Music List is available at St Albans Cathedral is part of the international Green Pilgrimage Network, committed to raising environmental standards. For more information go to 17

19 Tours Tower Tours Dates: Saturday 30th September 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm Saturday 21st October 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm Price: 9 Enjoy the best views in town! This spectacular tour takes you all the way to the top of the Norman Bell Tower via the North Transept gallery, the ringing and bell chamber before your final climb out onto the roof of the tower, weather permitting. Tickets are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. For Christmas Tower Tour dates and times see page 15. Restrictions apply. See website for details. Heritage Open Days Tower Tours Saturday 9th September 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm Sunday 10th September 2pm, 4.30pm Tickets: Free - available on the day on first come first served basis from the Box Office. Book a tour online at: call or visit the Box Office located in the Cathedral Gift Shop. 18

20 Family Fun The Big Draw 2017 Date: Thursday 26th October Time: 10am 12.30pm Price: Free Budding artists, young and old, are invited to explore the Cathedral and create their very own masterpieces inspired by the theme of this year s Big Draw Living Lines. We will supply the equipment and ideas while you draw. This is a drop-in event for all the family. Suitable for all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children s Explorer Guide Price: 1 Whatever day you visit, with our exciting Children s Explorer Guide you can find out more about Saint Alban and follow a fun trail around the Cathedral, learning fascinating facts as you go. 19

21 Talks Learning at St Albans Cathedral Learning has been at the heart of the Cathedral s life for almost 1000 years. We are proud to host a range of events, talks and courses to continue this tradition. Here are this season s highlights: In Search of Saint George Date: Thursday 28th September Time: 7.30pm Price: 6 For many, Saint George is an uncertain figure from England s cultural lore. Discover the story of Saint George from his beginnings as an early Christian martyr of Roman Palestine to his present-day role across many nations, faiths and people. Tutor: Dan Koski, Tantur Ecumenical Institute of Jerusalem The Dean s Lecture: Paul s Religion Rules or Relationship? Date: Thursday 26th October Time: 7.30pm Price: 6 Join the Dean to look at Paul s teaching, to see how his conversion shaped Paul s own understanding of Jesus and of religion as faith and love, and to look at Paul s mysticism - his view of the sacraments, resurrection, sex, and what he means by being united with Christ as part of his Body. Tutor: The Very Revd Dr Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans Cathedral Matthew Paris and his Medieval Manuscripts Date: Monday 13th November Time: 7.30pm Price: 8 To celebrate 800 years since the renowned medieval manuscript illustrator Matthew Paris entered St Albans Abbey, join the librarians from Cambridge s Parker Library as they talk about the man himself, St Albans, and his work the Chronica Maiora which they look after. Tutor: Dr Alexander Devine and Dr Anne McLaughlin, The Parker Library Poetry Recital: Remembrance Date: Tuesday 14th November Time: 8pm Price: 10 From Remember, Remember, the 5th of November, through Remembrance Day, All Saints Day and All Souls Day, there is good reason for calling November the Month of Remembrance. The Archdeacon of St Albans leads another Poetry Evening with poems inspired by the theme of Remembering and Remembrance. Tutor: The Ven. Jonathan Smith, Archdeacon of St Albans 20

22 Intercessory Prayer and Health Date: Friday 17th November Time: 8pm Price: 10 Over the last 20 years, intercessory prayer as a treatment for illness has been studied scientifically and there have been some remarkable claims. Nick Goulding explores this fascinating and controversial area, asking What happens to the human body when we pray for healing? Tutor: The Rev d Professor Nick Goulding, Diocesan Advisor for Faith and Science Hope in a Post-Truth World Date: Monday 4th December Time: 7.30pm Price: 6 In his second lecture on 'faith, hope, and love in a post-truth world', our Canon Philosopher will consider what it means to live hopefully in such unhopeful circumstances, and will discuss how Christian hope needs to be clear-sighted about the world to which God calls us, and about the way the world currenty is. Tutor: The Rev d Dr Andrew Davison, Canon Philosopher Tracing Faith in Harry Potter Date: Thursday 7th December Time: 8pm Price: 6 We mark the 20th anniversary of this magical series with a talk which explores the Biblical parallels in the Harry Potter novels and questions whether we can find theological significance in them. Tutor: Caroline Godden, Adult Learning Officer How to Book Your Tickets Tickets and the full programme are available online at by telephoning or by visiting our Box Office (located in the Gift Shop) 10am pm Monday to Friday, 10am pm Saturday and 1pm - 5pm Sunday. Enquiries about events can be sent to studycentre@stalbanscathedral.org St Albans Cathedral Education Centre The award winning Education Centre brings a variety of curriculum subjects to life in original and surprising ways, including R.E., History, Maths & English. Using the Cathedral as its classroom, over 14,000 children a year from nursery up to sixth form are welcomed by our team. For more information call or education@stalbanscathedral.org The Cathedral Library is open throughout the year. Find out more at

23 Visitor Information Abbot s Kitchen Overlooking the park, the Abbot s Kitchen serves delicious lunches, afternoon teas, children s meals and refreshments. Opening times Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm, Sunday 12.30pm-4.30pm The Abbot s Kitchen can also provide catering for large groups, functions and special occasions. For reservations please call or abbots@elior.co.uk Cathedral Shop Our Cathedral Shop has a wide range of souvenirs and gifts to suit all ages and tastes. There are gifts for special occasions, birthdays, baptisms and weddings, plus a beautiful range of Cathedral and Saint Alban souvenirs and recordings by the Cathedral Choirs. It also features a great range of books and an extensive range of general greetings cards, special occasion cards and postcards. Opening times 10am pm Monday to Friday, 10am pm Saturday and 1pm - 5pm Sunday. For all enquiries please call or enterprises@stalbanscathedral.org Support St Albans Cathedral St Albans Cathedral is a National Treasure and relies heavily upon the generosity of its congregation and visitors. If you would like to play a role in preserving and enhancing St Albans Cathedral for future generations you can: Make a donation by text Simply text NAVE01 10 or NAVE01 5 to Become a Friend of St Albans Cathedral The Friends are a group of people of all faiths and none - who love this place, and who help to sustain and enhance the Cathedral. Amongst the many activities of the Friends is a wonderful social programme, which is also open to non-members. For more information on becoming a Friend, friends@stalbanscathedral.org or call

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