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What's On At Winchester Cathedral

Take a look at our featured upcoming events listed below, or search all events by clicking here.

You can also download our full programme of events for July – December 2019.

Featured Events

Kings & Scribes: The Birth of A Nation

NOW OPEN

A permanent exhibition in the South Transept.

Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation will unlock Winchester Cathedral's captivating stories and reveal some of the nation's greatest treasures.

Be one of the first to explore a spectacular three-level exhibition space in the South Transept which will take visitors on a journey through over 1,000 years of history, whilst offering awe-inspiring views of the Cathedral.

Tea at Three

Tea and fellowship, especially for the elderly or lonely.

22nd Jul 2019 Event Type: Activity

Lunchtime Recital: Gabriella Jones (harp)

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital.

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

23rd Jul 2019 Event Type: Concert

Wednesday Tour: Just Williams

Learn about the many illustrious and or some cases lesser-known men called William who have played significant roles in the history of the cathedral.

Tour time: 10.30AM - 11.30AM

24th Jul 2019 Event Type: Tour

Wednesday Tour: Just Williams

Learn about the many illustrious and or some cases lesser-known men called William who have played significant roles in the history of the cathedral.

Tour time: 1.30PM - 2.30PM

24th Jul 2019 Event Type: Tour

Lunchtime Recital: Lucy Humphris (Trumpet)

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital from Lucy Humphris (Trumpet)

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

30th Jul 2019 Event Type: Concert

Wednesday Tour: Hurray for Henrys

An account of some of the distinguished men called Henry who have played significant roles in the Cathedral. Come and find out about the King who wasn’t there, and the naval Henry who saved his ship from a hurricane. The Henry who was crowned here but never reigned, and the Henry who celebrated his wedding with “crowned swans”. There was an outlaw Bishop and the man who helped save the Cathedral and build the London underground – all called Henry!

Tour times: 10.30AM - 11.30AM

31st Jul 2019 Event Type: Tour

Wednesday Tour: Hurray for Henrys

Tour times: 1.30PM - 2.30PM

31st Jul 2019 Event Type: Tour

Jane Austen – Tour and Tea

Jane Austen died in Winchester in 1817, in rented rooms in College Street. She was buried in the north aisle of the Cathedral. This tour offers visitors an intimate and often amusing insight into her life and connections with the Cathedral.

3rd Aug 2019 Event Type: Tour

Tour and Tea: This Royal House of Saxon Kings and Saints

The Anglo Saxon Minster and its role in the birth of the English nation, the personalities who inhabited it and the traces which are still visible today.

3rd Aug 2019 Event Type: Tour

Lunchtime Recital: Nadine Benjamin (Soprano)

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital from Nadine Benjamin (Soprano).

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

6th Aug 2019 Event Type: Concert

Wednesday Tour: Art in the Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral is rich in art objects, including works by internationally acclaimed artists, Peter Eugene Ball, Cecil Collins, Eric Gill, Antony Gormley, Barbara Hepworth and Justin Knowles, as well as local artists Sophie Hacker, Tim Harrisson, Alice Kettle, Tracey Sheppard - and many more. This Tour enables visitors to enjoy a close-up interaction with several of these works, within the context of this very special, time-honoured place.

Tour times: 10.30AM - 11.30AM

7th Aug 2019 Event Type: Tour

Wednesday Tour: Art in the Cathedral

Tour times: 1.30PM – 2.30PM

7th Aug 2019 Event Type: Tour

Family Fun: Noteworthy Normans

Pick up a free trail from the Entrance Desk and follow it around the Cathedral. End the trail at the craft table to make your own Norman helmet or colour in a shield. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 years.

7th Aug 2019 Event Type: Activity

Lunchtime Recital: Musician to be announced

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital.

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

13th Aug 2019 Event Type: Concert

Wednesday Tour: Icons of the Cathedral

There are 12 icons in Winchester Cathedral. This tour aims to study each in turn; the way they are made, their roots in history and the tradition which produced their artistic style, also to explore the layers of symbolism and meaning within them.

14th Aug 2019 Event Type: Tour

Wednesday Tour: Cathedral Women

Women have always played a part in our Cathedral life; often in a hidden or secondary role. This tour celebrates our Cathedral women, past and present - a selection of famous, self-sacrificing, dutiful and wrongly accused women. Also women who beautify the Cathedral for the Glory of God.

14th Aug 2019 Event Type: Tour

Family Fun: Turbulent Tudors

Pick up a free trail from the Entrance Desk and follow it around the Cathedral. End the trail at the craft table to make a beautiful Tudor Rose. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 years.

14th Aug 2019 Event Type: Activity

Tour and Tea: Tudor Intrigue in Turbulent Times

The religious upheavals of the Reformation, the cultural revolution of the Renaissance and the powerful personalities of the Tudor monarchs have all left their mark on Winchester Cathedral. Come and see this fascinating period of history brought to life.

17th Aug 2019 Event Type: Tour

Lunchtime Recital: Daniel Lebhardt (Piano)

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital from the pianist, Daniel Lebhardt.

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

20th Aug 2019 Event Type: Concert

Family Fun: Royalists and Roundheads

Pick up a free trail from the Entrance Desk and follow it around the Cathedral. End the trail at the craft table to make a fabulous flag. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 years.

21st Aug 2019 Event Type: Activity

Bank Holiday Organ Recital – Steven Grahl

Join us for our final Bank Holiday Organ Recital of 2019, featuring Steven Grahl, Organist at Christ Church, Oxford.

26th Aug 2019 Event Type: Concert

Lunchtime Recital: Joseph Ingle (Classical Guitar)

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital with Joseph Ingle (Classical Guitar)

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

27th Aug 2019 Event Type: Concert

Wednesday Tour: Wood Glorious Wood

This tour explores the exceptional riches of the Cathedral's woodwork, ancient and modern. It considers the indispensable role of wood in the construction and preservation of the building and we discover wood furnishings and decoration as far back as the 12th century. The highlight of the tour is a look in some detail at one of the Cathedral's greatest treasures, the 14th century choirstalls, described as "the most beautiful in Northern Europe".

28th Aug 2019 Event Type: Tour

Wednesday Tour: Chantry Chapels – Our Hidden Places

The Cathedral is famous for its chantry chapels. However as access can sometimes be difficult they are usually kept locked and can only be seen from the outside. On this tour the chapels will be open and visitors will be allowed inside to see, at close quarters what they contain.

28th Aug 2019 Event Type: Tour

Family Fun: Adventurous Victorians

Pick up a free trail from the Entrance Desk and follow it around the Cathedral. End the trail at the craft table to make an articulated shadow puppet. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 years.

28th Aug 2019 Event Type: Activity

Lunchtime Recital: Timothy Easter (Organ)

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital with organist, Timothy Easter.

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

3rd Sep 2019 Event Type: Concert

Wednesday Tour: Curious and Mysterious

Mysteries are as irksome to the human mind, as a grain of sand is to an oyster. This tour will explain some of the more curious and mysterious happenings, connected to the Cathedral and its monuments; dating from 1250, to the present day.

Tour times: 10.30AM – 11.30AM

4th Sep 2019 Event Type: Tour

Wednesday Tour: Curious and Mysterious

Tour times: 1.30PM – 2.30PM

4th Sep 2019 Event Type: Tour

Tour and Tea – Face the Music

Face the music includes background musical history and examines aspects of music with in the Cathedral. There are three types of visual clues: firstly, images in stone, wood, glass and embroidery reflecting 'heavenly harmony'; secondly memorials and graffiti referring to specific musical personalities; and thirdly, places and objects with musical functions such as organ or the Treasure.

7th Sep 2019 Event Type: Tour

Jane Austen – Tour and Tea

7th Sep 2019 Event Type: Tour

Book Launch: A Single Thread

Join novelist Tracy Chevalier for the launch of her latest novel, ‘A Single Thread’, in conversation with Alison Finch.

Tracy has written eight novels, including Girl with a Pearl Earring which sold 5 million copies worldwide. Tracy’s latest novel, ‘A Single Thread’, is set in Winchester in 1932 and follows the fictional story of Violet Speedwell who joins the team of Broderers at Winchester Cathedral.

9th Sep 2019 Event Type: Other

Lunchtime Recital: George Cooke (Cello) & Tom Jesty (Piano)

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital with George Cooke (Cello) & Tom Jesty (Piano)

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

10th Sep 2019 Event Type: Concert

Wednesday Tour: The Marriage of England and Spain – Mary Tudor’s Wedding

Queen Mary I Marries Prince Philip of Spain: the most famous wedding ever to have taken place in Winchester Cathedral. Discover the intrigues and plots behind-the-scenes in these turbulent Tudor Counter-Reformation times, and eavesdrop on the sumptuous ceremony itself...

11th Sep 2019 Event Type: Tour

Wednesday Tour: Walking on History

The expanse of medieval floor tiles in Winchester Cathedral are not just the largest area of medieval tiles in situ in the country but also tell a fascinating story. This tour gives an insight into how the fabric of the Cathedral changed in tune with the times.

11th Sep 2019 Event Type: Tour

The Sixteen: Choral Pilgrimage 2019

The Sixteen return to Winchester Cathedral as part of their 2019 Choral Pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage brings together music past and present, highlighting The Sixteen's Choral journey over the last 40 years. Their close relationship with Sir James MacMillan continues with a new commission O virgo prudentissima, contrasted with music by Fayrfax performed on their very first recording, alongside music by Wylkynson and Sheppard. These fine examples of English polyphony are juxtaposed with stunning music by Tavener and Eric Whitacre in the Sixteen's 40th anniversary year.

13th Sep 2019 Event Type: Concert

Tea at Three

Tea and fellowship, especially for the elderly or lonely.

16th Sep 2019 Event Type: Activity

Lunchtime Recital: Simone Tavoni (Piano)

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital from Simone Tavoni (Piano)

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

17th Sep 2019 Event Type: Concert

Wednesday Tour: This Royal House of Saxon Kings and Saints

Learn more about the Anglo Saxon Minster and its role in the birth of the English nation, the personalities who inhabited it and the traces which are still visible today. Part of this tour is outside on slightly uneven ground, suitable clothing and footwear should be worn.

18th Sep 2019 Event Type: Tour

Wednesday Tour: From Vision to Reality – A Journey Through the Cathedral’s Architecture

Winchester Cathedral contains fine examples of all the main styles of ecclesiastical architecture which will all be seen and explained in some detail. In addition, the tour will describe the construction methods used in medieval times and how Bishop Walklin achieved the amazing feat of completing most of the original building in just 14 years.

18th Sep 2019 Event Type: Tour

Close Encounters for Heritage Open Days

Walk the Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral and discover over 1,000 years of history from monastic times to the present day.

Open Evening

Join us for Winchester Cathedral’s annual Open Evening. Meet the staff and volunteers who work in every aspect of the day to day running of the Cathedral, from the stonemasons and flower arrangers to the Holy Dusters and the Bell Ringers.

19th Sep 2019 Event Type: Other

Starlight Trail – Wessex Cancer Trust

See Winchester in a different light. Join the Wessex Cancer Trust in a 5K fundraising walk across Winchester visiting iconic landmarks, including Winchester Cathedral, and enjoy live entertainment.

20th Sep 2019 Event Type: Other

Coffee Morning

Join us in the Undercroft from 10.30am for coffee.

Event is for Friends of the Cathedral only.

20th Sep 2019 Event Type: Friends

Tour and Tea – Ins and Outs of Europe

Co-operation and conflict between Britain and Europe as reflected in Winchester Cathedral During this tour we will review how England and Britain’s fluctuating relationships with Europe during the last 1000 years has brought benefits to art and architecture in Winchester Cathedral and is reflected in the lives of Saints, Bishops, Royalty and citizens connected with the Cathedral.

21st Sep 2019 Event Type: Tour

Lunchtime Recital: Organ fun with the Cathedral Organists

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital from the Cathedral Organists, Andrew Lumsden, George Castle and Claudia Grinnell. The recital is entitled Organ fun with a programme full of light-hearted and well known musical favourites.

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

24th Sep 2019 Event Type: Concert

Tour of the Bishops’ Portraits and Chapel at Wolvesey

This is a rare opportunity to view the Bishops' portraits and chapel at Wolvesey, the Bishop's residence. The tour will be followed by tea and cake.

Event is for Friends of the Cathedral only.

25th Sep 2019 Event Type: Friends

Old Choristers Association Concert

Join us for an evening of music at the Old Choristers Association concert.

28th Sep 2019 Event Type: Concert

Refectory: Secret Garden Wedding Fayre

Visit our sublime venues, meet our experienced team and over fifteen local exhibitors at this ‘secret garden’ themed Wedding Fair. Free entry, with an arrival drink.

29th Sep 2019 Event Type: Other

Lunchtime Recital: Oliver Nelson (Violin) & Vaslisi Rakitzis (Piano)

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital with Oliver Nelson (Violin) & Vaslisi Rakitzis (Piano).

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

1st Oct 2019 Event Type: Concert

Tour and Tea – Our Royal Heritage

An insight into the Cathedral's many royal connections from the Norman conquest to the present day.

5th Oct 2019 Event Type: Festival

Jane Austen – Tour and Tea

5th Oct 2019 Event Type: Tour

Green Harvest Weekend

A fun-packed weekend celebrating Harvest and exploring the current environmental issues facing farmers, Hampshire and the country as a whole.

Lunchtime Recital: Winchester College Music Scholars

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital by the Winchester College Music Scholars.

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

8th Oct 2019 Event Type: Concert

Voices for Hospices Choir Massed Come and Sing ‘Elijah’

Voices for Hospices Choir are passionate about enabling singers to join together and raise their voices to help those with end of life and life limiting illnesses. Join them for a concert at Winchester Cathedral in 2019!

12th Oct 2019 Event Type: Concert

Coffee Morning

Join us in the Undercroft from 10.30am for coffee.

Event is for Friends' of the Cathedral only.

18th Oct 2019 Event Type: Friends

Tour and Tea: From Vision to Reality

Learn about the architecture of this great cathedral and how it was built Winchester Cathedral contains fine examples of all the main styles of ecclesiastical architecture which will all be seen and explained in some detail. In addition, the tour will describe the construction methods used in Medieval times and how Bishop Walklin achieved the amazing feat of completing most of the original building in just 14 years.

19th Oct 2019 Event Type: Tour

Tea at Three

Tea and fellowship, especially for the elderly or lonely.

21st Oct 2019 Event Type: Activity

Friends’ Annual Lecture Kings and Scribes – The Story Behind The Scenes’

This year’s Annual Lecture will feature the Dean of Winchester, The Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, Vice-Dean Canon Roland Riem, Receiver General Annabelle Boyes, Cathedral Archaeologist John Crook and Cathedral Architect Nick Cox. Hear the behind-the-scenes story of the recent restoration and conservation work in the Cathedral and the launch of the spectacular new National Lottery Funded exhibition Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation.

22nd Oct 2019 Event Type: Lecture

Lunchtime Recital: Ben Sheen

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital from organist, Ben Sheen.

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

22nd Oct 2019 Event Type: Concert

Open Chapter

Wessex Centre

An informal opportunity for members of the community roll to meet and talk with Chapter members.

Open Chapter dates 2019
Wednesday 23 October
Wednesday 4 December

23rd Oct 2019 Event Type: Other

Lunchtime Recital: Michael Christian Durrant and Samuel Moore (Classical Guitar)

Join us in the wonderful setting of the Quire for a recital with Michael Christian Durrant and Samuel Moore (Classical Guitar)

Lunchtime recitals are free to attend. A retiring collection will be taken to help defray costs.

29th Oct 2019 Event Type: Concert

Family Fun: Wonderful William Walker

Pick up a free trail from the Entrance Desk and follow it around the Cathedral. End the trail at the craft table for crafts, colouring and fun worksheets. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 years.

30th Oct 2019 Event Type: Activity

Jane Austen – Tour and Tea

2nd Nov 2019 Event Type: Tour

A Day in the Life of Head Virger, Daren Gibb

Join us at the Paul Woodhouse Suite where Head Virger, Daren Gibb, will talk about a day in the life of "Custos" at Winchester Cathedral.

12th Nov 2019 Event Type: Lecture

Winchester Music Club Concert

David Thomas, Musical Director, will conduct Winchester Music Club Choir and Orchestra together with Winchester College Glee Club and Quiristers in a programme of Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Duruflé’s Requiem at Winchester Cathedral.

14th Nov 2019 Event Type: Concert

G4 at Christmas

Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting.

18th Nov 2019 Event Type: Concert

Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink 2019

Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink is spectacularly situated in the centre of the Cathedral's historic Inner Close and until 22 December it is surrounded by the Christmas Market. The clear roof guarantees a rain-free skate whatever the weather and fun skate aids make it an ideal rink for adults and children alike. Our giant Christmas tree brings festive cheer to all our skaters.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2019

Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe because of its unique location, high-quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance, with a delightful Food Court, British Crafts Village, and over 100 chalets to explore.

Christmas Market and Ice Rink Opening Ceremony

Join us for the official opening of the Christmas Market and Ice Rink and enjoy professional ice skating displays and music along with the blessing of the tree. Be one of the first to skate on the ice and explore this year's Christmas Market!

21st Nov 2019 Event Type: Festival

Christmas Tower Tours

Experience the best views over Winchester and the Cathedral Christmas Market and Ice Rink from the top of the Cathedral Tower.

Twilight Tower Tours

Experience the best views of Winchester and the Christmas Market and Ice Rink from the top of the Cathedral Tower at Twilight.

Coffee Morning

Join us in the Undercroft from 10.30am for coffee.

Event is for Friends of the Cathedral only.

22nd Nov 2019 Event Type: Friends

Lantern Parade 2019

The lantern parade is back for 2019, but bigger and better than ever!

28th Nov 2019 Event Type: Festival

Advent Procession

A service of seasonal readings and music by candlelight, moving from darkness to light.

30th Nov 2019 Event Type: Faith

Open Chapter

Wessex Centre

An informal opportunity for members of the community roll to meet and talk with Chapter members.

The final Open Chapter this year will be on Wednesday 4 December.

4th Dec 2019 Event Type: Other

Waynflete Singers: Elgar’s The Kingdom

Under the baton of Andrew Lumsden, with a stellar array of soloists, Sir Edward Elgar's mighty oratorio presents a moving portrait in sound of Jesus's disciples and the life of the early church.

7th Dec 2019 Event Type: Concert

Family Carol Service

Join us for family-friendly afternoon carol services and enjoy cheerful carol singing in the magnificent Nave of the Cathedral. Visitors to the Christmas Market and Ice Rink are especially welcome.

Also on Sunday 15 December at 3.30pm.

8th Dec 2019 Event Type: Family

Cathedral Christmas Concert

Join us for an evening of music, laughter and delight at Winchester Cathedral. This year, we are thrilled to welcome award-winning comedian, Hugh Dennis, star of BBC One's Outnumbered, Radio 4’s The Now Show and BBC Two's Mock the Week, who will offer amusing observations on the ups and downs of family life at Christmas time.

13th Dec 2019 Event Type: Concert

Special Christmas Coffee Morning

Join us in the Undercroft from 10.30am for a special Christmas event.

Event is for Friends of the Cathedral only.

13th Dec 2019 Event Type: Friends

The Snowman featuring The Donkey’s Tale 2019

The world’s most prolific performers of The Snowman film with live orchestra, Carrot Productions are delighted to be bringing their enchanting Christmas show to Winchester Cathedral.

14th Dec 2019 Event Type: Concert

Family Carol Service

Join us for family-friendly afternoon carol services and enjoy cheerful carol singing in the magnificent Nave of the Cathedral. Visitors to the Christmas Market and Ice Rink are especially welcome.

Also on Sunday 8 December at 3.30pm.

15th Dec 2019 Event Type: Family