June What's On

It's another busy month at Chester Cathedral. Find out everything happening:

Peace Doves by sculptor Peter Walker has been on display since 2 May and will be at the Cathedral until 17 June in the South Transept. The impactful installation is made up of over 8,000 paper doves all with individual messages of peace, love, and hope written on them by visitors, school children, and local community members. While you’re here, make sure to leave your own response to be added to the ‘Peace Wall’.

There are still some incredible events taking place under the Peace Doves this month including: 

Monday Midday Mindfulness continues under the Peace Doves until 16 June. Come along to these sessions that are twenty minutes (…or so) of companionable silence under Peace Doves. Please note on 9 June Monday Midday Mindfulness with be at 12.30pm instead of 12pm.

Seeking Sanctuary: A Ukrainian Dance Project created by Whispered Tales shares the story of how Ukrainians were forced to leave their home and seek sanctuary here in England. There will be two 20 minute performances taking place under the Peace Doves on 14 June at 12pm and 1.30pm. Find out more here. 

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Creeds exhibition is on now until 19 September with a display in the North Quire Aisle and the Cathedral Exhibition Library. Creeds: a formal statement of belief….but who writes them and how do we put into words what we believe in? Explore the treasures in the collections of Chester Cathedral and friends in this engaging exhibition to discover how ‘creeds’ have been expressed through the centuries. Visitor access to the Exhibition Library is available on some Tuesdays during the exhibition run – make sure to check the website when planning your visit (we aim to give at least two weeks’ notice with library opening times). Book Library visit here. Interested in booking a group visit? Email [email protected] to arrange. 

The Music of Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight returns for three nights from Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 June. Featuring West End singers and a world class live band. Book tickets here.

There are two speciality tours for Stained Glass this month on Thursday 12 June at 11am and Tuesday 15 June at 2pm. Chester Cathedral has an impressive collection of internationally significant stained glass, ranging from medieval fragments to the 21st century ‘Creation Window’. On this engaging tour you will learn about the makers, designers, and restorers of these magnificent works of art and hear some of the fascinating stories connected to them. Not sure about the difference between stained from plain glass? No problem! This tour is suitable for absolute beginners and enthusiasts alike. Book here.

From Friday 13 to Thursday 19 June, Seeking Sanctuary: Personal Narratives of Displacement and Belonging, a thought-provoking exhibition showcases work by University of Chester students exploring themes of sanctuary and the refugee experience will be on display in the South Transept. Find out more here.

Ever wonder how can we think theologically together about the issues facing our world today? Join theologians and practitioners Gary O’Neill and Liz Shercliff for four sessions to explore creative tools for reflective Christian living. These will be practical sessions focussed on real issues.Straw for the Bricks:Tools for Theological Reflection first session will take place on Tuesday 17 June from 1.30pm-5pm. Book your space here.

Refuge Island is an exhilarating 20 minute dance performance that explores stories of female migration and the human capacity to offer a place of refuge taking place in the Chapter House on 18 June at 4pm. Find out more and book here

The next Assemble will take place during Refugee Week with the discussion panel focusing on positive stories from refugees who have found sanctuary in and around Chester. Assemble: Conversations with Refugees: Reclaiming the Narrative is on Thursday 19 June at 6.45pm. Hear from those who have sought and those who have offered a safe place to live to people fleeing violence or persecution. Reserve your free ticket here.

Pink Floyd by Candlelight returns to the Cathedral on Friday 20 June at 7.30pm. Tickets available here. 

Diddy Disciples Training session on Saturday 21 June from 1-4pm. Diddy Disciples is a collection of worship and storytelling resources for babies, toddlers and young children, built on reflective practice and a contemporary understanding of childhood spirituality. This will be a great opportunity to discover the resources and learn how they can best be used to nurture faith even in the youngest of children. Interested in signing up? Book your space here. 

Enjoy Tina Turner by Candlelight performed by Dixie Daye and her incredible live band on Saturday 21 June at 7.30pm. Tickets available here. 

The Fulltone Orchestra will take you on a musical journey back to Hollywood’s most iconic era with their new concert, The Golden Age of Hollywood. This very gorgeous event will feature the unforgettable music from some of the most beloved films in cinema history, promising a night full of nostalgia and great musical hits from an era that shaped the film world of the 20’s to 60’s. Find out more and book here.

Chester Philharmonic Orchestra return with an Evening of Operatic Overtures and Arias on Saturday 28 June at 7.30pm. Tickets available here. 

Key Services 

There will be a special Choral Evensong on Sunday 15 June at 3pm to mark the beginning of Refugee week.

Thursday 19 June at 5.30pm there will be a Choral Eucharist for Corpus Christi