From this weekend our choir will be travelling to Northumberland to embark on this year’s tour!

Keep a close eye on our social media and website as we will be posting updates throughout the tour, as well as any service livestreams as they appear.

As the tour takes place over a five-day period, from Saturday 25th May – Wednesday 29th May, here is a quick run-through of daily activities and when Choral Evensongs will take place.

Saturday 25th May
Before the choir embarks on their journey, there will first be a briefing in the cathedral nave, followed by prayer and a blessing. All will then board the coach to visit the Vindolanda Roman Fort, before later making the journey to Hexham Abbey. At the Abbey, there will be a guided tour with Choral Evensong starting at 5:00pm, followed by a buffet.

Sunday 26th May
The choir are up for an early start, arriving at St Mary’s Church Lindisfarne with time for a rehearsal before the Eucharist. At midday, and after a packed lunch, there will be a Viking re-enactment and mead tasting, with non-alcoholic options for choristers. The choir will then arrive at Bamburgh for a walk to the beach (weather permitting) or a trip to the Grace Darling Museum. All will then walk to St Aidan’s for the Choral Evensong, starting at 5:15pm.

Monday 27th May
Monday begins with free time to visit the playground and shops and to grab an ice cream at The Doddington Milk Bar. Around mid-day, the choir will arrive at Warkworth Castle to learn about its history and eat a picnic lunch. Following will be the short walk to St Lawrence for the 5pm Choral Evensong.

Tuesday 28th May
For the fourth day of the trip, the choir will journey to St Paul’s in North Sunderland for a concert at 11:30am. This will be followed by a packed lunch in the Church Hall before boarding the coach to Seahouses. On arrival, all will walk to Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips for the Grey Seal Cruise. After the cruise, there will be free time and a tea of fish and chips to end the day.

Wednesday 29th May
On the final day, the choir will catch the train from Heatherslaw Light Railway to Etal. All will then walk to Etal Castle to explore and sing within its grounds. Later in the day, the choir will arrive at Newcastle Cathedral for the Choral Evensong which starts at 5:30pm. After the Choral Evensong, the choir will make the journey from Newcastle back to Bradford Cathedral and should arrive around 9pm.