The gathering begins on Friday afternoon with a talk by the cathedral's Director of Music David Halls and organ recital from John Challenger, Assistant Director of Music, followed by a cream tea in the Cloisters. After Choral Evensong, you are invited to find your own dinner in Salisbury before returning to the cathedral to hear the choir sing Compline.
On Saturday morning there will be a choice of tours of the magnificent Cathedral, and the afternoon offers optional visits to the various wonderful buildings in the Cathedral Close. You are welcome to observe the choir rehearsing before Evensong at 5:30pm followed by a drinks reception in the Cloisters and our Gathering Dinner in the Cathedral Refectory.
On Sunday, after morning Eucharist, you can enjoy lunch on the mezzanine at the Cosy Club in Salisbury before joining a guided walk to the Elizabeth Gardens. Evensong in the Cathedral is followed by a farewell reception in a transept.
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Schedule
Friday
- 13:30 Registration
- 14:00 Welcome in the North Transept by the Dean, the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos
- 14:30 Talk on music and choirs at Salisbury Cathedral from David Halls, Director of Music
- 15:00 Organ Recital by John Challenger, Assistant Director of Music
- 16:30 Cream Tea in the Cloisters
- 17:30 Choral Evensong in the cathedral
- 18:15 Free time to find dinner in Salisbury
- 20:30 Compline sung by the Lay Clerks and led by Canon Precentor Revd Canon Anna Macham
Saturday
- 09:45 Cathedral Tours (two options, running concurrently – please select 1 or 2 when booking)
Option 1: Tower Tour and Guided Tour (includes a total of 664 steps, some narrow) OR
Option 2: Stained Glass, West Window Whizz and Guided Tours (window tour includes 50 steps on a wide staircase)
- Free time to find own lunch in cathedral close
- Optional visits to the various buildings in the cathedral close (entry fees not included)
Arundells, Salisbury Museum, The Rifles Berkshire & Wilton Museum, Mompesson House (National Trust)
- 12:30-14:00 Volunteer Meeting for Regional Coordinators, Local Ambassadors, Events Working Group members and Trustees (inc. lunch)
- 16:15 Open Choir Rehearsal for attendees to observe
- 17:30 Choral Evensong in the cathedral
- 19:00 Drinks Reception in the cloisters
- 19:30 Gathering Dinner in the cathedral refectory
Sunday
- 09:15 Mattins
- 10:30 Sung Eucharist with the cathedral choir
- 13:00 Lunch at the Cosy Club
- 14:00 Guided Walk to Elizabeth Gardens
- 16:30 Choral Evensong in the cathedral
- 17:30 Farewell Reception in the South Transept including drinks and nibbles plus a short presentation from Cathedral Music Trust
Accommodation
Accommodation in Sarum College has been reserved for up to 50 people at a special rate. Please mention Cathedral Music Trust when booking. To book, email [email protected] or call 01722 424800.
There are many other hotels in Salisbury, some quite close to the Cathedral. The Premier Inn, on Southampton Road, is next to Park and Ride which will bring you into Salisbury. Please note that many of the hotels in central Salisbury are in ancient buildings and do not have a lift.
Travel
Salisbury Cathedral is a 10-minute walk from the train station with a good national network and direct trains from London.
Parking is available at the Cathedral at £8 per day currently, a weekend rate is to be negotiated. The Central Car Park (Ringo) in Salisbury is in walking distance of the Cathedral.
For those staying in Sarum College there is parking at the rear on a first come first served basis
The full weekend costs £162.75 and you can book each element separately. Sales end at 1pm on Friday 16 August 2024. Read our refunds policy.