An International Christmas (Saturday 23rd December) will feature music and readings from international communities based in- and around- Bradford.
Having started with a beautiful and reflective Advent Procession; a sold-out concert with the Black Dyke Band; and an exciting collaboration with the Royal Opera House, Bradford Cathedral’s Advent and Christmas season continues with more services and events up to, and including, Christmas Day.
On Saturday 23rd December, Bradford Cathedral will hold ‘An International Christmas’. All are welcome to this informal Christmas service featuring music and readings from Christians from Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, India, Sudan, Hong Kong and other communities based in- and around- Bradford.
The free service, which begins at 6pm, will conclude with light refreshments including food from some of these cultural traditions.
The Revd Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, says:
“Jesus Christ came to bring good news to all peoples and nations; to all cultures and languages. We remind ourselves each year that the angels announced his birth with a joyful song heralding peace to all humankind and this year particularly we’re inviting all to join that song as we weave this good news into the rich fabric of our city.
“With as many different tongues from our diverse Christian community across the district we will proclaim the unique message of Christmas for our city and beyond. We invite you to come and join the song.”
Alongside this service, there are other services in the next two weeks that are free to attend, including ‘Nine Lessons and Carols’ (Sunday 17th December, 6pm); ‘Christmas Meditation’ (Wednesday 20th December, 1pm); and the ‘Messy Cathedral Crib Service’ – an interactive service of storytelling, craft, music and prayers – on Christmas Eve at 3pm.
Already ‘The City Carol Service’ on Monday 18th December has sold out, and tickets for the famous ‘Annual Lunchtime Carol Recital’ on Saturday 23rd December at 1pm are moving quickly – and those looking to come to the annual recital of music, poetry and the best-loved carols are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
The season moves into Christmas with a Midnight Eucharist at 11pm on Christmas Eve and the Christmas Day Sung Eucharist the following morning at 10:30am.
You can find out more about all these services and events – and book your place – by visiting the Bradford Cathedral website or by calling the Cathedral office.
Alongside this programme, you can visit to discover the Bradford BID Light Curtain and the Crib by the State Gate – all you have to do is ‘follow the star’ lit in the Cathedral’s tower!
As well as events at the Cathedral, you can head online to:
- Hear a daily ‘Organ Advent Calendar’ piece
- Watch a recording of ‘The First Nowell’ by acclaimed composer Bob Chilcott sung by the Bradford Cathedral Consort;
- Take part in craft and activity videos as part of the Bradvent Calendar
- send a very special Bradford Cathedral Ecard to your friends and family.
You can find out more about all the events and services happening in December by visiting bradfordcathedral.org.uk/advent-christmas, calling the Cathedral office on 01274 77 77 20, visiting the Cathedral during its daily opening hours, or picking up a flyer. You can also find our opening times over the Christmas holiday on the website.
Full list of extra events and services – with times and direct booking links
- Wednesday 13th December, 1pm
Wednesday@One Christmas Organ Spectacular: George Inscoe (Croydon) - Thursday 14th December, 6pm
Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership – Christmas Carol Service - Sunday 17th December, 6pm
Nine Lessons and Carols - Monday 18th December, 6pm
The City Carol Service – Sold out - Wednesday 20th December, 1pm
Christmas Organ Meditation - Saturday 23rd December, 1pm
Annual Lunchtime Carol Concert – Limited tickets - Saturday 23rd December, 6pm
An International Christmas - Sunday 24th December, 3pm
Messy Cathedral Crib Service - Sunday 24th December, 11pm
Midnight Eucharist - Monday 25th December, 10:30am
Christmas Day Eucharist