Extensive preparations are underway at Peterborough Cathedral to celebrate Christmas 2021 through a wide range of services and events.
Seasonal theatre, acclaimed music acts and some spectacular choral occasions add spice to the Cathedral’s December programme, and accompany a range traditional Christmas services.
On Saturday 4th December at 7.30pm, the all-male singing group G4 will perform their Christmas show to an expected sell-out audience in the nave. Then on Friday 10th December mezzo-soprano Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues will sing a range of seasonal favourites as she returns by popular demand after her Cathedral concert in July.
Renowned theatre company Chapterhouse present Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd December at 7.30pm, and the dark, suspenseful theme is continued as visitors have an opportunity to see the Cathedral by Candlelight with a tour on Friday 17th December at 7.30pm.
Musical fare includes everything from a festive Silent Disco on Friday 3rd December at 7.00pm, to the ever-popular ‘Christmas Magic’ concert on Saturday 11th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Then the Cathedral Choir’s Christmas concert is on Saturday 18th December at 7.00pm.
There are plenty of opportunities to worship too, with the Business and Shoppers’ Carols taking place this year at 5.30pm on Tuesday 14th December, and the traditional all-age Christingle service on Sunday 19th December at 3.00pm. Also on 19th December, at 6.00pm, there is a carol service especially for healthcare workers which is open to all. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services follow their usual pattern, with 4.00pm, 8.00pm and 11.30pm services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services at 10.00am, 11.00am and 3.30pm.
It is necessary to book a free place in advance many of these services, so that numbers can be managed safely. This can be done online via the Cathedral website www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.
For more information you can email info@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk or call 01733 355315 during office hours.
The Cathedral is closed to visitors on Boxing Day and on Monday 27th December, then re-opens on Tuesday 28th December.
All events and services will be run in accordance with any government Covid restrictions in place at the time and may be subject to change at short notice.
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES + EVENTS AT PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL
The Advent Procession
Sunday 28th November, 6.00pm
A special service to mark the beginning of Advent, with candlelight and music from the Cathedral Choir. In association with Kidney Research UK. All welcome. Booking required.
DECEMBER
Christmas Silent Disco
Friday 3rd December, 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Join us for our festive Christmas silent disco with DJ Steve Walsh on the decks. There will be a Christmas channel and a classic disco channel too, plus tuck shop with snacks, sweets and drinks. Christmas jumpers and attire actively encouraged! Tickets: £7 per person (£6 per person for groups of ten +). Booking fee applies.
G4 Christmas
Saturday 4th December, 7.30pm
G4 will bring you timeless classics such as When A Child is Born, Silent Night and All I Want For Christmas, as well as some delightful Christmas medleys. Tickets: from £14.50 to £62.50. Book via www.g4official.com/christmas-2020
Reflections on Peterborough’s Stained Glass
Thursday 9th December, 7.30pm via Zoom
An online talk from conservator Tom Küpper about the Cathedral’s collection of stained glass Tickets: £7 per viewing. Booking fee applies.
A Christmas Lullaby
Friday 10th December, 7.30pm
Mezzo-soprano Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues returns to Peterborough with a wonderful programme of Christmas songs. Tickets: £15 per person. Booking fee applies.
Christmas Magic
Saturday 11th December
Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Peterborough Voices and Peterborough Youth Choir and Peterborough Festival Brass perform all your festive favourites. Tickets: £19.35 – £36.50 via www.ticketsource.co.uk/pmvc
Business and Shoppers’ Carols
Tuesday 14th December, 5.30pm
Take a break from your Christmas preparations with this special service of readings and music, with Christmas Carols sing along to. The service will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets: Booking required.
Cathedral by Candlelight Tour
Friday 17th December, 7.30pm
The Cathedral is beautiful by daylight, but even more so by candlelight. Come and enjoy an after[1]hours guided tour in this most atmospheric of settings. Tickets: £12 per person. Booking fee applies.
Cathedral Christmas Concert
Saturday 18th December 7.00pm
A Christmas choral spectacular performed by the Cathedral Choir, Youth Choir, and Festival Chorus, featuring seasonal favourites and familiar Christmas carols to sing along to. A memorable night to get everyone in the festive mood! Organist – Chris Strange. Conductor – Tansy Castledine Tickets: £25, £20, and £15 (U18s half price). Booking fee applies.
Christingle Service
Sunday 19th December, 3.00pm
A service for families, with seasonal readings, carols and traditional Christingle oranges. Tickets: Booking required.
Healthcare Workers’ Carol Service
Sunday 19th December, 6.00pm
A special carol service for anyone working in the healthcare sector. Tickets: Booking required (free, unreserved seating. Donations invited). Priority booking for healthcare workers. Tickets: Booking required.
A Christmas Carol
Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd December, 7.30pm
Chapterhouse Theatre Company present Charles Dickens’ famous tale, complete with beautiful period costumes, song, dance, and a generous helping of Christmas spirit. The show is the perfect festive treat for all ages. This award-winning adaptation is by Laura Turner. Tickets: £18 adults, £12 child/NUS student, £54 family (2 adults, 2 children), £48 family (1 adult, 3 children). Booking fee applies.
Christmas Eve services
4.00pm Cathedral Carol Service
8.00pm Bethlehem Now! With the Salvation Army Band
11.30pm First Eucharist of Christmas
Booking required for each of these services.
Christmas Day services
10.00am Sung Matins
11.00am Christmas Eucharist
3.30pm Festal Evensong with Procession
Booking required for 11.00am service only.
Boxing day
Sunday 26th December
10.30am Eucharist service, said with hymns. The Cathedral is closed to visitors.
The Cathedral is closed to visitors on Monday 27th December, then re-opens on Tuesday 28th December.
Tickets are on sale via www.ticketsource.co.uk/peterborough-cathedral unless otherwise stated. A booking fee applies.
All events will be run in accordance with Covid regulations in place at the time and may be subject to change in unforeseen circumstances.