Record numbers flocked to Worcester Cathedral to join in festive fun.
For the first time since 2019, the landmark building was able to welcome the community during Advent with no restrictions in place.
In the week up to Christmas Day, 13,000 people attended services, with a total of 44 choral carols, 56 Christmas carols and 235 verses sent echoing around the cathedral.
The Vice-Dean of Worcester, Canon Stephen Edwards, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome so many visitors to the Cathedral throughout the Advent and Christmas period.
“It was a pleasure to celebrate Christmas with no restrictions in place, for the first time since 2019.
“Over the years of the pandemic, we have adapted to the circumstances, taking services online, and introducing ticketing and social distancing, amongst other measures, to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff.
“It was an absolute joy this year to once again celebrate a more ‘normal’, in-person Christmas in this historic and sacred space.
“We also enjoyed a packed Nave for all of our Services and the annual Cathedral Carol Concert in the week before Christmas, as well as a full house at the Christmas Eve Crib Services, Evening worship and the midnight Eucharist.”
Throughout December, nearly 50,000 people visited the cathedral to view its Christmas Tree Festival in the medieval cloister.
This year saw more trees than ever, with 100 local schools, charities, businesses and organisations taking part.
“We were thrilled by the number of visitors to the incredible Christmas Tree Festival and estimate that we welcomed almost double the number of visitors compared with last year, when we had to restrict numbers inside the Cathedral,” added Mr Edwards.
The Christmas Appeal was launched in November, aimed at keeping the cathedral’s doors open throughout the winter as a warm space.
The appeal reached over 7,000 people and has so far raised £24,751.
Mr Edwards said: “We can’t thank our supporters enough for donating to our Christmas Appeal. We have raised a fantastic amount and really do appreciate every single donation; we really couldn’t do it without you.
“It just goes to show how much people value the Cathedral being here for them in times of crisis, celebration or commemoration and we are overjoyed to have welcomed so many people through our doors to enjoy the festivities.”
The appeal runs until the end of January and more information can be found at www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/christmas-2022.
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