Cathedral Music Trust CEO Jonathan Mayes begins his Choral Adventure in the North-East this weekend
Cathedral Music Trust’s CEO, Jonathan Mayes, is set to begin his Choral Adventure, a unique 50-day cycling journey across England and Wales to raise awareness and funds for the future of cathedral music. This ambitious challenge will see Jonathan visit over 100 cathedrals, churches, and abbeys throughout 2025/26, highlighting the accessibility and vibrancy of the UK’s choral heritage.
Beginning in Durham, the first four days of the challenge (16-19 May) will see Jonathan cycle across the North of England, stopping off in Newcastle, Hexham, Carlisle, Kendal, and Lancaster. The full ride will be completed across 12 separate legs, totaling 50 days of riding, completing the full loop of England and Wales in May 2026. Each leg of the journey will feature visits to choirs and services, meeting musicians and those involved with music-making. Jonathan’s mission is to demonstrate how cathedral music is not confined to grand state occasions and events but is alive and thriving on a daily basis in places of worship across the nation. He will be sharing reflections and conversations with those at the heart of cathedral music through blogs, photos, and recordings.
Jonathan commented: “This will be a tough physical challenge, climbing over 123,000 feet and clocking around 2,700 miles. Doing this whilst continuing my work as CEO of Cathedral Music Trust and contributing to a busy family life is going to keep me very busy over the next 12 months. But it wouldn’t be a challenge if it were easy, and I’m so looking forward to connecting with musicians, clergy, and congregations across the country whilst raising much-needed funds for our cherished choral tradition.”
Jonathan invites cathedral music-lovers to engage with his journey by following updates on the Trust’s website and social media channels. Donations can be made to support the Trust’s ongoing efforts to sustain cathedral music across the UK. You can find out more about the adventure, and view the full map and schedule, at www.cathedralmusictrust.org.uk.