Stonehenge
Salisbury Cathedral’s spectacular Advent Procession ‘From Darkness to Light’, regarded by many as the un-missable start to the Christmas season, takes place this year on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November at 7.00pm and Sunday 1 December at 5.00pm. It begins with the Cathedral in total darkness and silence as the single Advent Candle is lit. By the end the whole interior of the medieval building is seen in the light of 1300 flickering candles.
Two large and colourful processions move around the Cathedral during the service which is a mix of beautiful music and readings. David Halls, Director of Music, knows the service is one of the highlights of the year. “The music, sung by the cathedral choir, is in perfect keeping with the feeling of expectation that underpins Advent. We also have a plainsong choir of girls’ voices singing from the West End gallery. This is all in contrast to the great Advent hymns sung by a capacity congregation of over seventeen hundred on all three evenings, and sounding truly magnificent accompanied by the mighty Father Willis organ. There is a great feeling of momentum as the service reaches its climax.”
The cathedral choir is conducted by David Halls, the organist is John Challenger.
Doors open at 6.00pm on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November and at 4.00pm on Sunday 1 December. Those who wish to arrive early will be able to queue under cover in the Cloisters where seasonal refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies are available.
Admission is free but entry on Friday 29 November is by ticket only. Tickets are available from Friday 1 November. Reserve them from that date (maximum 6 per application) from http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/special.events.intro.php and print your confirmation, which you will need to bring to the Cathedral on the night. If you have no access to the internet, written applications (from 1 November) can be made to Joanne Pike, Advent Tickets, The Chapter Office, 6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EF. Please provide a stamped addressed envelope and indicate the number of tickets requested (maximum 6).
Please note there can be no admission once all seats are taken. There is no public parking in The Close however parking is available for Disabled Blue Badge holders. For further information visit the Cathedral’s website: www.salisburycathedral.org.uk
The Advent Procession – From Darkness to Light
Friday 29 (entry by free ticket only) and Saturday 30 November at 7.00pm (doors open 6.00pm), Sunday 1 December at 5.00pm (doors open 4.00pm)
