As 2024 draws to a close, we're looking back on some of the wonderful moments at our Cathedral this year.
Do you have any photos you'd like to share? We'd love to see them! Feel free to get in touch at info@chichestercathedral.org.uk.
Wishing you a joyful and blessed New Year from all of us at Chichester Cathedral.
January
After a four-year break, the Epiphany Procession returned to Chichester Cathedral. With costumes refreshed and revived, we welcomed some new participants and the choir of St Paul's Chichester. This special service, steeped in tradition and symbolism, brought together a community in celebration.
February
As part of Pallant House Gallery's major exhibition 'John Craxton: A Modern Odyssey', we were delighted to display John Craxton R.A. (1922-2009) enormous Cretan-inspired tapestry Landscape with the Elements (1975-76), who used to sing in Chichester Cathedral choir as a child.
March
In March we welcomed the Reverend Canon Nigel Ashworth to the Cathedral, and he was licensed by Bishop Martin during a special service of Evensong in the new role of Priest Vicar.
April
30 years ago, in 1994, the first women were ordained as priests. To mark this milestone, we hosted a photographic exhibition containing self-portraits of some of the women who have served our Diocese, and continue to do so today. The portraits were on display alongside short reflections provided by the sitters, upon their ministry, daily life and guidance to those seeking to be part of life of a church.
May
In May, the King approved the nomination of The Venerable Dr Edward Dowler, Archdeacon of Hastings and Priest-in-Charge of St John the Evangelist, Crowborough, both in the Diocese of Chichester, to be appointed as Dean of Chichester. Dean Edward was then installed on Holy Cross Day (14th September).
June
The Festival of Flowers drew 10,000 visitors to experience 60 spectacular floral creations designed by Florist Hannah Howell (Tawny Flower Studio), responding to the theme of ‘Creation’ and were developed by florists, enthusiasts and community groups from across Sussex.
July
In July we packed our picnics and enjoyed special performances of outdoor theatre in Paradise including Hamlet with The Lord Chamberlain's Men, The Merry Wives of Windsor with The Pantaloons and The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle with Illyria!
August
Throughout the summer the Cathedral was home to 'Magic Eco Owl’ as part of 'The Big Hoot', a free sculpture trail from Chestnut Tree House. This owl represented the beautiful Sussex coastline and countryside, created by Brighton-based artist Pinky Vision.
September
In September we were delighted to announce the introduction of Spire Visits, offering visitors the chance to ascend through nearly 950 years of history to enjoy breath-taking panoramic views across Chichester and beyond.
October
Over 29,000 visitors experienced our exhibition, Mars, this autumn. The installation captivated a diverse audience, including worshippers, pilgrims and visitors of all ages who came to witness the awe-inspiring artwork suspended in the ancient setting of the Cathedral. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork, by British artist Luke Jerram, featured detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface.
November
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In November we became the fourth Cathedral in England and Wales to achieve Gold Eco Church status, awarded by the Christian conservation charity A Rocha UK. To celebrate, and preparing to mark the Cathedral's 950th anniversary, members of the Cathedral community joined us to plant 950 bulbs by the Cathedral's west doors.
December
During December's Carol Services we welcomed over 3,000 visitors through our doors to experience our renowned Choir. To ensure their legacy continues, we’ve launched the Chichester Cathedral Platinum Endowment Trust for Music, aiming to raise £5 million. Donations will help fund daily services, free concerts, bursaries for choristers, the organ scholarship and much more to keep the transformative power of music alive for generations to come.
Bonus photo! Winning an award for the Cathedral’s presentation of Peter Walker’s Peace Doves
We were thrilled to receive a Silver Award in the Tourism Event of the Year category of the Tourism South East Beautiful South Tourism Awards 2024. Presented in Autumn 2023, Peace Doves was an immersive installation made up of 15,000 paper doves, each containing a hand-written message. Over 50,000 people visited the Cathedral to experience the artwork including 100 schools and local community organisations.