What’s On September -
December 2024
Welcome
St Albans Cathedral, home to Britain’s first saint, is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain.
‘Welcome to our autumn and winter edition of What’s On at St Albans Cathedral. We hope that you will come and join us in worship, for a tour, lecture, family activity, concert, or to enjoy a quiet moment in this ancient Cathedral and Abbey Church. There are some wonderful highlights in the weeks ahead including our first ever Film Festival in October half term, with something for all the family, our annual Fireworks Spectacular, a second Community Showcase to highlight the important work of charities in our community, and all the joy and celebration of Advent and Christmas. This is your Cathedral - you are always welcome – and we hope to see you soon!’
The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans
Visit
All information is correct at the time of going to print | Cover image by Paul Wilkinson
The Story of Alban
This is a story of an ordinary person doing an extraordinary thing, a story which still inspires.
Alban lived around 300 AD in the Roman city of Verulamium. Alban gave shelter to a priest fleeing persecution.
With the authorities closing in, the two men exchanged cloaks allowing the priest to escape.
Alban was taken before the judge where he declared himself a Christian, condemning himself to death.
Alban was beheaded on the hill where the Cathedral now stands. Alban is Britain’s first Saint. The story of friendship between Alban and Amphibalus is as relevant in our world today as it was 1700 years ago.
St Albans Cathedral remains committed to offering welcome and sanctuary to all, and to witness to God’s love in the world.
Your Visit
There are many unique sights to take in when you visit St Albans Cathedral, making it a stunning setting for worship, events and tours.
Opening times
The Cathedral is open all year round 9am - 5pm
There is no charge for entry to the Cathedral, donations welcome. It costs £6,000 a day to keep this historic Cathedral open.
How to book event tickets
Bookings for events taking place at the Cathedral can be made through our website at www.stalbanscathedral.org
You can also book through the Cathedral Box Office, located in the Cathedral Shop, or by calling 01727 890290
Planning your visit
Accessibility for all our visitors is an important part of our welcome and mission. Full information about planning a trip to St Albans Cathedral can be found at www.stalbanscathedral.org/visit
Abbot’s Kitchen
Sundays - Fridays | open 10am - 4pm
Saturdays | open 9am - 4pm
Our wonderful café situated in the Welcome Centre is the perfect place to refuel during your visit.
Cathedral Shop
Sundays - Fridays | open 10am – 5pm
Saturdays | open 9am - 5pm on Saturdays
Whether you are looking for a memento of your visit to St Albans Cathedral or searching for a special gift, we are sure you will find something in the Cathedral Shop.
Regular worship
All are welcome at our many daily services, the heartbeat of this Cathedral’s active life. See page 16 for more details. Occasionally additional services will be added at short notice. Please check the website before making a special visit.
Group enquiries
We welcome groups from far and wide every day and can tailor tours to suit your group’s interest. Get in touch to find out more.
Groups: 01727 890200
Schools: 01727 890212
Support us
To find out more about how you can support the Cathedral go to www.stalbanscathedral.org/donate or call 01727 890229.
Cathedral Map
1. Shrine of Saint Alban
2. Shrine of Saint Amphibalus
3. Presbytery and High Altar Screen 4. The Norman Tower
Exhibition
Wall Paintings
Toilets
Visitor Highlights
St Albans Cathedral is a great place to visit with the whole family – whatever the weather! From the longest nave in England to our Saints in Colour project, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Shrine of Saint Alban
The Shrine of Saint Alban is a site of national and international pilgrimage. People have been coming here for over 1700 years and it is used as a place of prayer and stillness by visitors every day.
The Shrine of Saint Amphibalus
Restored in 2021, this beautiful shrine to the other Saint in the Alban story makes this Cathedral the only one in the country with two medieval pedestal shrines.
The Norman Tower
Our Norman Tower is the only 11th century great crossing tower still standing in England today. It is also the only cathedral tower in England to be built using Roman bricks. You can explore our tower on one of our Tower Tours, see page 8.
Wall Paintings
See the wall paintings in the Nave restored to their former glory with unique light projections during our Daily Guided Tours.
The Longest Nave in England
Enjoy walking the longest nave in England, all 85 metres of it! Take in the architecture and atmosphere of this vast space.
Rose Window
Built in the 19th century, bathe in the beautiful light of our rose window in the North Transept. The stained glass was added in the 1980s and officially opened by Princess Diana.
Saints in Colour
Discover our incredible project, bringing the Wallingford High Altar Screen to life in a world first with cutting edge technology.
Fireworks Spectacular
Join us for our annual Fireworks Spectacular in Verulamium Park this November.
Full details can be found on page 32.
Tours
Discover stories from 1700 years of history as you embark upon an exciting journey around the Cathedral on one of our special tours.
Daily Guided Tours
These tours are a great introduction to the Cathedral, its history and its treasures. Our expert guides will take you through our rich and varied history, exploring features such as our stunning medieval wall paintings and graffiti, spectacular stained glass windows, and the shrine of Alban, Britain’s first saint.
Mondays - Saturdays, 11.30am, 1.05pm and 2.30pm Sundays, 1.05pm and 2.30pm
No charge, donations welcome. These tours are for individuals or small family groups only. Please see the website for details.
Group Tours
Varying days and times
To allow you to make the most of your visit to the Cathedral, we require groups of six or more to book their tour in advance. The Guides can provide a general tour or something specially tailored to your group’s needs or particular interests.
Please contact us on mail@stalbanscathedral.org or 01727 890200.
Visually Impaired Persons Tour
Last Friday of the month, 1.30pm
We are delighted to be able to offer our free guided tours to individuals with visual impairments. A dedicated group of guides has been trained to deliver these audio-described tours so that our magnificent building can be made more accessible.
Tickets are free and available from our website and the Cathedral Box Office. Please visit the website for details.
Tower Tours
Selected dates and times
Join our guides on a visit behind closed doors to explore the roof spaces including the ringing and bell chambers, before the final climb onto the roof of the tower. There are a total of 211 steps up to the top of the oldest cathedral tower in Britain, where you will be rewarded with fantastic views of St Albans (weather permitting!).
Tickets available from our website. Restrictions apply. Please see the website for details.
Abbey by Night
Wednesday 2 October, Wednesday 6 November and Wednesday 13 November
As darkness descends and candles are lit, be transported back to the medieval abbey and meet the characters - both monks and pilgrims - to whom this great abbey was home. See and hear the inspiring tales these men and women have to tell.
Tickets available from our website.
© Toby Shepheard Photography
More to Explore Tours
Discover more of the treasures of the Cathedral with an experienced guide. All tours start at 1.30pm.
Lord Grimthorpe in costume | Sunday 15 September
Christopher Webb & his stained glass | Sunday 20 October
Remembrance: Honours & Heroes | Sunday 10 November
No charge, book your tickets from our website or at the Cathedral Box Office.
Special Tours
Discover the secrets and hidden treasures of the Cathedral on one of our special tours.
Selected dates and times. Tickets are available from our website.
Divine Designs
Explore the incredible ways in which science, technology, engineering and maths have been used for centuries to build this Cathedral.
Grand Designs
Discover the skill and artistry of the medieval builders and craftsmen, including stone and wood carving, stained glass, bell casting, wall painting and illuminated manuscripts.
Making your Mark
Explore the graffiti that has been scratched in the stone down through the ages in this building Look for hidden gems from signatures to skeletons, animals, crosses and more.
The Afterlife of Trees
Join us on this tour looking at the fascinating woodwork in the Cathedral.
The Winds of Change
Travel back through time to the 1400s and 1500s to explore the Abbey. Learn about royal intrigue, musical innovation, prolific book production and architectural changes that took place before the monastery was closed in 1539.
The Alban
Film Week
The Alban Film Week Schedule
From Tuesday 29 October to Saturday 2 November, get your popcorn ready for The Alban Film Week, presented in partnership with the St Albans Film Festival. Enjoy an exciting mix of screenings, Q&As, and special events at our historic venue.
Tuesday 29 October
Musical Beasts
1pm, 3pm and 5pm showtimes with live orchestra.
Thelma and Louise 7.30pm screening.
Wednesday 30 October
Gromit Model Making Workshop
led by an Aardman expert model maker. Workshops at 11.45am, 1.45pm and 3.45pm.
Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death 1pm, 3pm and 5pm showtimes with live orchestra.
Book your tickets on our website or at the Cathedral Box Office.
Image from Aardman and Carrot Productions
Wednesday 30 October (cont)
Four Weddings and a Funeral
7.30pm screening and Q&A with director Mike Newell (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Donnie Brasco).
Thursday 31 October
Night at the Museum
2.30pm screening.
Nosferatu (1922)
8pm screening with live organ. In partnership with the International Organ Festival.
Friday 1 November
Migration
10.30am screening. In partnership with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.
Johnny English
2.30pm screening. Fun fact: famous scenes were filmed at the Cathedral!
Grease Sing-A-Long
7.30pm screening.
Saturday 2 November
The Barkley Marathons
Documentary
10.30am screening with a fun run starting at the Cathedral before the film.
Singin’ in the Rain
2pm screening with cream tea.
Worship Regular Services
Whether you prefer prayer, meditation, services, or lighting a candle, we welcome all to worship.
Sundays
8am Eucharist
9.30am Parish Eucharist
11.15am Choral Eucharist
11.15am Matins (3rd Sunday)
12.30pm Eucharist (3rd Sunday)
6pm Choral Evensong
Weekdays
7.30am Morning Prayer
8am Eucharist
12noon Eucharist at the Shrine
5pm Evensong (Evening Prayer on Mondays)
Saturdays
8.30am Morning Prayer
9am Eucharist
12noon Eucharist in the Lady Chapel
5pm Evensong
Monthly Services
4th Wednesday 10am Mothers’ Union Eucharist
5th Saturday 2.30pm Diocesan Service for the Deaf
Ecumenical Services
The Cathedral also has a thriving Ecumenical Chaplaincy, regularly holding services for different Christian traditions.
Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated every Friday at 12noon.
German Lutheran
A service in German is held on the last Tuesday of every month at 7pm.
Free Church
A service is held on the first Wednesday of every month at 11am.
Orthodox Liturgy
A service is held once a month on a Tuesday at 10.30am.
Please see the website for more information.
A Day Chaplain is available to talk to most days.
Special Services
The Cathedral hosts many special services throughout the year, reflecting the church year and supporting local organisations.
Bag Blessing Service
Sunday 8 September, 9.30am
We invite children to bring their school bag to be blessed at the start of the school year.
Admission and Licensing of Readers
Sunday 22 September, 2.30pm
Bishop Jane admits and licenses new readers to the diocese.
Study Centre 40th Anniversary Celebration Evensong
Sunday 22 September, 6pm
We celebrate the achievements of those who have studied the St Albans Certificate in Theology, with guest preacher The Revd Dr Victoria Johnson, Dean of St John’s College, Cambridge.
© Toby Shepheard Photography
Jewish New Year
Sunday 29 September, 1pm
St Albans Masorti Synagogue will be marking the Jewish New Year by blowing shofars (ram’s horns) from the Cathedral tower.
Evensong with commissioning of William Fox as Director of Music
Sunday 29 September, 6pm
Join us for this celebratory evensong on the feast of St Michael and All Angels.
All Creatures Great and Small | Pet Blessing Service
Sunday 6 October, 3pm
Bring your pet along - large or small - for an informal service of hymns, prayers and blessing.
Harvest Festival
Sunday 13 October, all services 9.30am, 11.15am, 6pm
We celebrate God’s creation and generous provision as we support others in our Harvest collections at all our services.
Trafalgar Day Service
Sunday 13 October, 2pm
A service commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar, giving thanks for the naval heritage of our country. Local Sea Cadets and Royal Marines will renew their promises as part of this celebratory service.
Saying Goodbye Service
Monday 14 October, 7pm
A quiet service of reflection and prayer as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week for those who have lost a baby or young child.
RSCM Celebration Evensong
Saturday 19 October, 5pm
The Royal School of Church Music’s annual event to celebrate their work, and to present its Honorary Awards.
Civic Service
Sunday 20 October, 11.15am
The mayor’s annual civic service giving thanks for our city and reflecting the mayoral theme for the year in office.
Holy Pumpkin Trail
Thursday 31 October, 4.30pm
We are partnering with St Michael’s Church for our Holy Pumpkin Trail through St Albans, with opportunity to ‘trick or treat’ with friends on the way. We will enjoy a short service of light at the Cathedral at 5.30pm. This will be followed by crafts and play.
All Saints Sunday
Sunday 3 November, 9.30am and 11.15am services
Morning services will celebrate the life and witness of the saints whose example inspires us.
All Souls Requiem Eucharist
Sunday 3 November, 6pm
An opportunity to come and remember our loved ones who have died.
Justice Service
Sunday 17 November, 11.15am
The High Sheriff’s annual service giving thanks for all who administer law and order in the county. The theme for this Shrieval year is ‘Sport for good’.
Light Up a Life Service with Rennie Grove Hospice
Saturday 23 November, 2.30pm
Opportunity for loved ones to come together to reflect and celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us.
Solemn Evensong and Benediction for Christ the King
Sunday 24 November, 6pm
The last Sunday of the liturgical year where we celebrate Christ as Lord over all creation.
For more information about worship, please visit our website.
Advent & Christmas
Join us for the festive season! Look out for our special Advent and Christmas brochure for full details in December.
Advent Procession
Sunday 1 December, 6pm
Parish Eucharist with Nativity Play
Sunday 8 December, 9.30am
Carols on the Hour
Saturday 14 December, 11am - 5pm, on the hour every hour
Live Nativity Trail
Saturday 14 December, 12noon - 3pm
Christingle Service
Sunday 15 December, 3pm
Lessons and Carols
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December, 7.30pm
Crib Services
Tuesday 24 December, 11am and 2pm
Christmas Eve Vespers
Tuesday 24 December, 5pm
Midnight Mass
Tuesday 24 December, 11pm
Christmas Day
Wednesday 25 December
Eucharist | 8am
Parish Eucharist | 9.30am
Choral Eucharist | 11.15am
Boxing Day Carols
Thursday 26 December, 4pm
Felipe the Sheep is back this Christmas!
Don’t forget to look our for our friend Felipe the Sheep this November and December, who will be returning for more festive fun around the City!
Concerts
Tickets and more information about our upcoming concerts can be found on our website.
Harpenden Magic Voices Choir
Saturday 21 September, 2pm
An afternoon of feel good songs from the local Harpenden Magic Voices choir. From Queen to Mamma Mia, there’s something for everyone.
International Organ Festival Concert
Saturday 21 September, 6.30pm
Leeds City Organist Darius Battiwalla returns to St Albans, opening the IOF’s exciting 2024/25 recital series.
St Albans Bach Choir
Saturday 9 November, 7.30pm
St Albans Bach Choir performance of Gioachino Rossini’s masterpiece Petite Messe Solenelle with their new conductor William Fox.
St Albans Choral Society
Saturday 16 November, 7.30pm
St Albans Choral Society return to the Cathedral with a concert featuring spiritually uplifting French masterpieces by Duruflé and Poulenc alongside Bach’s exciting and energetic Baroque masterpiece, composed in 1723 for the people of Leipzig.
Concerts by Candlelight
Join us for an incredible night of music by candlelight starting at 7.30pm.
Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight
Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 November
Christmas by Candlelight
Tuesday 3 December
Bublé by Candlelight
Wednesday 4 December
Willow Foundation - Christmas Charity Concert
Monday 2 December, 7.30pm
An evening of your favourite Christmas Carols sung by the spectacular Hertfordshire Chorus and Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School with lots of opportunities for audience participation in this annual Christmas Charity Concert in aid of Willow.
Bach Choir Carol Concerts
Saturday 7 December, 3pm and 7pm
Join the St Albans Bach Choir for two concerts of Christmas music.
The Carol Concert by The Hospice of St Francis
Sunday 8 December, 3pm
Join The Hospice of St Francis for a magical afternoon of festive carols and Christmas readings, guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit! The concert will feature special performances from talented local choirs, thoughtful festive readings and plenty of opportunity for merry audience participation.
Music
Music has been central to the life of the Cathedral for centuries. Join us for a magnificent programme.
Wednesday Lunchtime Organ Concert
Join us in the Crossing for one of our fantastic Organ Concerts, with retiring collections in aid of Cathedral music funds.
Wednesday 18 September, 12.30pm
Hannah Gill, St Albans
Wednesday 16 October, 12.30pm
Alessandro Bianchi, Organist, Church of St Edward the Confessor, Lugano Switzerland
Wednesday 13 November, 12.30pm
Benjamin Chewter, London
© Toby Shepheard Photography
Talks and Workshops
St Albans Cathedral offers a rich programme of events and workshops designed to explore faith, history and culture from many different angles.
Stone Carving Course
Saturday 21 September, 10.30am – 3pm, Alban Room
This one-day course is an introduction to relief carving in stone. You will be taught the techniques of stone carving to produce a small piece of relief sculpture, which will be yours to keep. This might be a Celtic knot, a Tudor rose, or maybe a design of your own. No previous experience is necessary.
Tutor: Alan Micklethwaite, mason and sculptor
Tickets £35, available from our website.
Alban’s journey into faith from Roman to Medieval times
Thursday 3 October, 7.30pm – 9pm, Alban Room and Online
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Study Centre, this lecture explores how Alban’s story has been used in different ways throughout history, from the late Roman to the high medieval periods.
Speaker: The Revd Mark Laynesmith
Tickets £12 (£6 students), available from our website.
Landscapes of glory: wonder and transcendence in the music of Schubert
Thursday 10 October, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, St Albans Cathedral
Explore the essence of Schubert’s work, culminating in a complete performance of his final piano sonata, the B-flat Major D 960.
Tutors: The Revd Iain Lane and Professor Florian Mitrea
Tickets £15 (including an interval drink), available from our website.
AI and Us: Science, Religion and the Future of Humanity
Wednesday 23 October, 7.30pm – 9pm, Alban Room and Online
AI is rarely out of the headlines. At the heart of these discussions is the big imponderable: what will AI become? Join Nick Spencer, author of Playing God: Science, religion and the future of humanity, to explore this future of AI, humanity and religion.
Speaker: Dr Nick Spenser
Tickets: £12 (£6 students), available from our website.
Shakespeare… And A Skull By Any Other Name
Thursday 14 November, 7pm – 8.30pm, Alban Room
In Shakespeare’s time, people believed that words could physically harm or heal. Join author, director and academic Susan Sachon as she excavates some of the Bard’s works, from Hamlet to Macbeth, and explains how her studies led her to pen a thriller with an actor’s skull at its heart.
Speaker: Dr Susan Sachon
Tickets £12 (£6 students), available from our website.
Julian of Norwich: mother, mystic, radical
Saturday 23 November, 1.30pm – 3pm, Alban Room
Julian of Norwich is an increasingly known and loved medieval mystic, whose radical visions have so much to say to us now. Discover how Claire Gilbert has imagined Julian’s life in her book, and how Julian’s writings contribute to the ecological crisis.
Speaker: Claire Gilbert, author and historian
Tickets £12 (£6 students), available from our website.
Benedictine Topographies
Wednesday 27 November, 7pm – 8.30pm, Alban Room
Discover more about the medieval precincts of Benedictine monasteries with our Cathedral Archaeologist, Dr Jackie Hall.
Speaker: Dr Jackie Hall, Cathedral Archaeologist
Tickets £12 (£6 students), available from our website.
It’s a Wonderful Life: Is it?
Thursday 5 December, 7pm – 8.30pm, Alban Room
Frank Capra’s 1947 film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is perhaps the classic Christmas film. In this lecture discover what connections the film has to the Gospel.
Tutor: The Revd Peter Waddell
Tickets £10 (£6 students), available from our website.
Luxury Christmas Door Wreath Workshop
Saturday 7 December, 9.30am – 12.30pm, Alban Room
Create a beautiful Christmas Door Wreath with Anita Lindeman from The Flower School St Albans. Learn how to adorn a wreath with natural Christmas decorations, all finished off with a sumptuous bow.
Tutor: Anita Lindeman
Tickets £15, available from our website.
Courses
Beginner’s Latin
Monday evenings 9 September – 7 October, 7.30pm – 9.15pm, Alban Room
Have you ever wanted to learn Latin? This 5-week course will introduce you to the language and give you the basic skills needed to read and translate original texts.
Tutor: Clare Harvey
Tickets £75, available from our website.
Introduction to Church History (SACT)
Tuesday evenings 25 September – 4 December (excl. 30 Oct), 7.30pm – 9.15pm, Online
Drawing upon some of the key events and movements that have shaped the Church of England, this course offers a broad and accessible overview of the history of the Christian Church.
Tutor: The Revd Jonathan Gordon
Tickets £135, available from our website.
Post-Beginners’ Latin
Monday evenings 14 October – 25 November, 7.30pm –9.15pm, Alban Room
Join us for a 6-week course which will help strengthen and develop your knowledge of the Latin language. Newcomers are welcome to this class if they have studied a little Latin in the past (even many years ago, at school)!
Tutor: Clare Harvey
Tickets £75, available from our website.
Introduction to Christian Feminist Theology (SACT & SACT+)
Thursday evenings 7 November – 12 December (excl. 5 Dec), 7.30pm – 9.15pm, Online
Engage with feminist approaches to the Trinity and Creation and to begin to understand the ways in which feminist and womanist theologies intersect with other approaches to Christianity.
Tutor: The Revd Sophie Cowan
Tickets £75, available from our website.
Exhibitions and Events
Between Worlds: An exhibition of Sculpture
Tuesday 17 September – Thursday 3 October, North Transept
Experience a blend of stone, ceramic, metal, and glass sculptures by Alan and Tracey Micklethwaite. Alan previously restored the St Amphibalus Shrine at the Cathedral, and Tracey has carved inscriptions for the church and its precincts.
No charge, donations welcome.
HACRO’s photographic artworks with Govia Thameslink Railway
Tuesday 8 October – Sunday 20 October, North Transept
View the photographic artworks of the Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders (HACRO), who have been working with the St Albans Arts Team and the Govia Thameslink Railway to capture details of St Albans South Signal-Box Museum and the City Station.
No charge, donations welcome.
Medieval Revelries
Saturday 12 October, 7pm, Welcome Centre and the Crossing
Help the Friends of St Albans Cathedral celebrate their 75th anniversary at a medieval-inspired evening of music, theatre and dance, food and drink. And discover how you too can care for our wonderful Cathedral.
Tickets £20, available from our website.
Silent Discos
Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October, 8pm - 11pm
The UK’s best 80s, 90s and 00s DJs playing all your favourite tunes.
Over 18s only, tickets from £23, available through our website.
Stories of Witchcraft: The tales of Eleanor Cobham and Elizabeth Knot
Saturday 26 October, 10am - 11am at St Albans Cathedral
Join us for two sessions of storytelling with our Artist in Residence, Sarah Lloyd-Winder, and listen to the stories of past women accused of witchcraft. In collaboration with St Albans Museum + Gallery, these stories will be connected to their new installation, ‘Catching the Chain’.
No charge, donations welcome.
Unseen Echoes
Tuesday 12 November - Sunday 24 November, North Transept
Through a collection of poignant photographs, taken by the artist, Chris Hall, view fragments of survivors’ stories through everyday objects and dive into the hidden realities of domestic abuse. No charge, donations welcome.
Community Showcase
Saturday 12 October, 11am - 3pm
Discover over 50 charities and community organisations at the St Albans Community Showcase on Saturday 12 October, 11am - 3pm in the Nave of St Albans Cathedral. Learn about their impactful work, explore volunteer opportunities, and get inspired. No tickets needed—just drop by for a day of community spirit and inspiration. See you there!
© Still Cast Photography
Learning Department Anniversary
The Learning Department is delighted to be celebrating its 40th Anniversary for welcoming school groups to the Cathedral, and its 50th year for working with adults!
St Albans Cathedral has been a pioneer in learning, with a full, varied programme of Adult Learning and the first cathedral to offer award-winning educational visits based on the school curriculum.
During that time, almost half a million children have taken part in a range of trails and workshops, whilst thousands of adults have accessed lectures, courses and study days. A huge thank you to all who have supported us in that time – here’s to another half century!
Throughout, the Cathedral has also built up a network of local partners, such as the Friends of St Albans Cathedral, St Albans Civic Society, University of Hertfordshire, and St Albans Architectural and Archaeological Society, and, in doing so, remains committed to unearthing stories of the past and new ways of learning about the history of our the local area.
Learn more about our Schools and Adult Learning team on the Cathedral website.
© Emma Collins Photography
Young People
We offer an exciting array of groups for young people at the Cathedral.
Abbey Tots
Tuesdays, 10am, Offa Room
Come along to this popular parent and toddler group for pre-schoolers and their parents or carers. No charge, tickets available on our website. Donations welcome.
Abbey Tots Service
Thursdays, 10am, St Michael Chapel
Our service for pre-school age children includes Bible stories, songs and prayers, as well as a snack and special meal.
St Albans Young Singers
Mondays, 4.45pm - 5.15pm (ages 4 - 6) and 5.15pm - 6pm (ages 7 - 12)
A lively singing group with fun and varied music. This group is open to anyone who is enthusiastic about music.
Xcite
Fridays, 6.30pm - 8pm, Alban Room
A youth group for those aged 8 - 12, meeting during term time. It is the perfect opportunity to socialise and have fun with friends.
Youth Group
1st and 3rd Sundays each month during term time, 7pm - 8.15pm
Our fun and sociable youth group for ages 13 - 17 meets for games, conversation, hot chocolate and activities twice a month.
Contact our Children and Youth team for more information: children@stalbanscathedral.org
© Toby Shepheard Photography
Fireworks Spectacular
Join us for the annual St Albans Fireworks Spectacular in aid of local charities.
Saturday 2 November, in Verulamium Park. Gates open at 6pm, fireworks at 7.30pm.
Come and enjoy a spectacular display in aid of local charities Home Start Hertfordshire, who provide support to parents to be the best they can be, to improve children’s outcomes and Earthworks St Albans, who support people with learning difficulties to manage 3.5 acres of eco gardens in St Albans.
Early bird tickets (available until Friday 18 October) | Adult £10, children under 16 £6, children 3 and under free, family £28.50.
On the night prices | Adult £15, children under 16 £10, family £40.
Tickets available from our website.
Coming Soon | Museum of the Moon
Friday 3 January to Friday 14 February 2025
The Museum of the Moon artwork by artist Luke Jerram is coming to St Albans Cathedral for the first time in 2025.
Marvel at its beauty or join one of the many events and activities that will be taking place in the moonlight, including yoga sessions, talks, concerts and more.
Look out for the complete details and schedule coming soon!
The Friends of St Albans Cathedral
The Friends of St Albans Cathedral is an independent charity providing financial and practical support to the Cathedral.
The Friends play a vital role in enabling the life and work happening in our glorious building to develop and thrive, as it has done for nearly 1000 years.
“The Friends of St Albans Cathedral is a key part of the ongoing flourishing of our mission and ministry through its generous support.”
The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans
For more information on how to join the Friends and support our valuable work, visit us at www.stalbanscathedral.org/friends or email us at friends@stalbanscathedral.org. Alternatively, you can contact Hazel Ireson, Membership Secretary, on 01582 832312
Friends of St Albans Cathedral
St Albans Cathedral
Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 1BY
A gift with a difference
Adopt St Albans Cathedral
Are you looking for a unique gift? By adopting part of St Albans Cathedral you will make a difference to the future of this place.
Support our Learning
By adopting an item in the Archives, you will support the Education Trust in its mission to ensure learning is at the heart of the Cathedral and protect our learning heritage for the future.
Preserve our Building
By adopting a Roman brick from the medieval tower you will support the future preservation of the Cathedral and its precincts.
Sustain our Music
By adopting a pipe, you help to support the Music Trust in its aims to maintain our Harrison & Harrison Organ and protect the Cathedral’s music for future generations. Buy your gift online at www.stalbanscathedral.org/adopt or
Opening times
The Cathedral is open daily 9am - 5pm.
There is no charge to enter the Cathedral. Donations are welcome. It costs £6,000 a day to keep this Cathedral open. Scan the QR code to donate.
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Tickets Book online at www.stalbanscathedral.org, in person at our Box Office, located in the Cathedral Shop, or call 01727 890290.
For the latest information visit our website and sign up for our What’s On newsletter; www.stalbanscathedral.org/join-our-mailing-list
St Albans Cathedral
Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 1BY Cathedral Office: 01727 890210
Email: mail@stalbanscathedral.org
Registered Charity Number 1207312 www.stalbanscathedral.org
