What's On At Winchester Cathedral

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.

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Lunchtime Recital: Daniel Lebhardt (Piano)

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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".

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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: 1.30PM – 2.30PM

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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.

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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.

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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 ten 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.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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.

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Tea at Three

Tea and fellowship, especially for the elderly or lonely.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

This tour is now sold out.

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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.

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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.

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Coffee Morning

Join us in the Undercroft from 10.30am for coffee.

Event is for Friends of the Cathedral only.

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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.

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Meet the Scribes

The Undercroft

A special opportunity to meet our team of Cathedral Scribes as they celebrate their 30^th anniversary. Have a go at calligraphy under their expert guidance, try writing with a quill and get creative with hands-on activities for all the family!

All are welcome. This is a free event with donations welcome.

Part of Heritage Open Days 2019.

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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.

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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.

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Old Choristers Association Concert

Join us for an evening celebration of choral music performed by former Winchester Cathedral choristers. Male and female voices singing a programme of Byrd to Vaughan Williams, Purcell to Howells.

This is a fundraising concert in aid of the Cathedral Organ fund.

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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.

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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.

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Tour and Tea – Our Royal Heritage

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

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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.

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Green Hampshire Harvest Weekend

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

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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.

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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!

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Coffee Morning

Join us in the Undercroft from 10.30am for coffee.

Event is for Friends' of the Cathedral only.

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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.

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Tea at Three

Tea and fellowship, especially for the elderly or lonely.

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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.

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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.

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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

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An Evening with Russell Watson

We proudly present a wonderful concert with Russell Watson, the "UK's Best Selling Classical Artist". Russell will be performing repertoire of his favourite music and songs from his most recent solo album "True Stories". Joining Russell as special guest is the award-winning Mezzo Soprano, Danielle Louise Thomas.

Advanced booking is recommended for this unforgettable evening of entertainment in the fabulous setting of Winchester Cathedral.

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Kennedy Meets Gershwin Meets Bach

Join Nigel Kennedy, 'The Best-Selling Violinist of Our Time', as he performs a special concert, Kennedy Meets Gershwin Meets Bach.

You can expect such timeless standards as Summertime, Rhapsody In (Claret &) Blue, They Can’t Take That Away From Me and Porgy and Bess have been re-imagined with Kennedy’s inimitable style and verve.

Advanced booking is highly recommended for this unique concert in the fabulous setting of Winchester Cathedral.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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G4 at Christmas

Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting. Expect to hear timeless classics such as When A Child is Born, Silent Night and All I Want For Christmas, as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit, all delivered exquisitely in Winchester Cathedral.

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Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink 2019

Enjoy festive, rain-free skating at the heart of Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market! Skate around a fabulous Christmas Tree in the centre of the Ice Rink and then warm up with a cup of hot chocolate in the Ice Rink café.

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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.

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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!

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Christmas Tower Tours

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

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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.

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Coffee Morning

Join us in the Undercroft from 10.30am for coffee.

Event is for Friends of the Cathedral only.

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Lantern Parade 2019

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

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Advent Procession

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Cathedral Carol Services

Wonderful services filled with beautiful music sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Event dates: 17th December, 18th December & 20th December.

Priority booking for the Cathedral Community.

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Cathedral Carol Services

Wonderful services filled with beautiful music sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Event dates: 17th December, 18th December & 20th December.

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Cathedral Carol Services

Wonderful services filled with beautiful music sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Event dates: 17th December, 18th December & 20th December.

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Chamber Choir Christmas Concert

One of Winchester's more recent Christmas traditions is the annual Advent concert given by the Cathedral Chamber Choir.

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Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols

The Choristers of Winchester Cathedral perform Benjamin Britten’s inimitable A Ceremony of Carols.

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Christmas Eve Services

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Various celebrations throughout the day.

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Christmas Day Services

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES
Various celebrations throughout the day.

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