November What's On

Leaves are changing colour and the brisk Autumn weather is here. Only two months left in the year and here’s what’s on (including the start of Christmas events) this month at Chester Cathedral.

There is just over a week left to see Trena Cox: Reflections 100 which ends on 8 November. This incredible exhibition was installed at the beginning of October and highlights the work of twentieth century female stained glass artist Trena Cox and is accompanied by artwork created in response to Trena Cox’s work.

We start the month off with a return of the Silent Disco on Friday 1 November, which is sold out!

As part of the Trena Cox exhibition, Saturday 2 November is the final Sketchbook Saturday! All are welcome to come along to this free drop-in session with Aleta Doran - Chester Cathedral’s Artist in Residence and Project Lead for the Trena Cox Project – in a mindful afternoon of creativity. Find out more here.

University of Chester will be holding their graduations at the Cathedral Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 November. The Nave will be closed however Café 1092, gift shop, Garth, and Cloisters remain open. The majority of the Trena Cox exhibition will still be accessible so don’t miss your last chance to see it for yourself! And Thursday’s organ recital will take place as usual.

Chester Philharmonic Orchestra are back on Saturday 9 November with their Song and Dance November concert at 7.30pm. Tickets available here.

Small Sounds took a break for half term but return on Monday 11 (and on Mondays 18 and 25). These free drop-in sessions for children 0-5 years old are open for everyone to join, no booking required. Find out more here.

BBC Radio 3 will be recording Choral Evensong live on Wednesday 13 November. All are welcome to attend this service, please be seated by 2.45pm.

Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight featuring a cast of West End Singers and a live band have perfomances on Thursday 14 November and Wednesday 20 November.

Enjoy The Music of Abba on Friday 15 November with UK’s biggest Abba tribute bands. Tickets available here.

Get to know the Cathedral Organ: presented by Philip Rushforth on Monday 18 November. Philip Rushforth, our organist and master of the choristers, will demonstrate its various qualities and show how, when these are skilfully brought together, we hear its beautiful and impressive music. This event will be accompanied by a glass of wine and of course will be held in the Nave of the Cathedral. Book your ticket here.

On Tuesday 19 November we have the first Christmas themed event with Dreamcoat Stars: A Musical Christmas. Enjoy Christmas carols, festive favourites and a sprinkling of musical hits showcased by the stars of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in this seasonal family concert. Tickets available here.

On Thursday 21 we have the Light Switch On for the Christmas Tree Festival! All are invited to begin the evening with Choral Evensong from 5:30pm – 6:15pm, which will be followed by the Christmas Tree Festival lights switch on. This will include an intimate carol service and viewing hour will follow from 6:30pm – 7:30pm with a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink alternative. Book your tickets here.  

Our annual Christmas Tree Festival returns from Friday 22 November to Sunday 5 January! Make memories and create a family tradition by visiting Chester Cathedral's annual Christmas Tree Festival. A delightful family-friendly day out. Enjoy over 80 trees decorated in the theme of Discover Christmas: What Christmas means to you.

Free entry for children 5 and under. Pre-book your Christmas entry here to ensure speedy entry. No booking or entry fee for Sundays.

Grab your cloak and your wand and come along on Friday 22 November for the Spectacular Misic of Harry Potter at 7pm. This spellbinding concert features the spectacular music from the magnificent Harry Potter films - performed by the sensational International Film Orchestra. Book tickets here.

Join Chester Music Society for A Night at the Opera on Saturday 23 November. International opera stars join the choir to present favourite arias and choruses from Wagner, Verdi, Purcell, Gershwin, Mozart and Puccini. Tickets on sale here.

On Monday 25 enjoy an exceptional musical evening in the lead-up to Christmas with a performance of Vivaldi's timeless classic, The Four Seasons along with Rachmaninov's ever-popular Second Piano Concerto. Get tickets to Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight here.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company return with another year of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, a timeless tale of hope and redemption this Christmas. With dazzling musical sequences and authentic period costuming, this production promises to be the perfect accompaniment to the festive season. Tickets available here.

On Thursday 29 November, hear The Music of Simon and Garfunkel with the most authentic sounding concert to the unforgettable music of Simon and Garfunkel with Dan Haynes and Pete Richards. Tickets available here.

We finish the month off with The Music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on Friday 30 November with an internationally-acclaimed tribute band. Book tickets here.

Key services this month

Sunday 3 November

10.30am Cathedral Eucharist for All Saints | The Cathedral Eucharist celebrates our unity with the communion of saints | Service sheet here

3pm Requiem Eucharist for All Souls | This traditional language service of holy communion will include space to remember those we love who have died in recent years. The Cathedral Choir will sing John Rutter’s Requiem | Service sheet here

6pm Choral Evensong

Sunday 10 November

10.15am Remembrance Service | Representatives of the city and county and the armed forces gather at the Cathedral for a service to mark Remembrance Sunday. This will include the two minutes silence at 11am at the war memorial.

6pm Words and Music for Remembrance | The Nave Choir sing music appropriate for the season of remembrance, interspersed with poetry and readings from Scripture.

Sunday 17 November

10.30am Cathedral Eucharist for Safeguarding Sunday

3pm Choral Evensong with installation of Lay Canon