If you're looking for a romantic candlelit experience, want to enjoy some classical music greats then this is the concert for you! London Concertante present a sensational evening at the opera with an array of the finest opera arias and overtures, including works from Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, and Mozart – some of the best from Madame Butterfly, Turandot, Tosca, The Barber of Seville, Carmen, Cosi fan Tutti and so much more. Presented by Candlelight with some of the country’s greatest opera singers in the stunning setting, this truly is an evening not to be missed!

Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No.2 is hugely dramatic, mirroring the intensity of the darkest events of the opera it was intended to precede. Derived from music from Act II of Fidelio, it depicts Florestan’s dungeon, to which we are led via dark, descending octaves and dissonant harmonies. Barber’s emotional masterpiece for strings, his Adagio, was adapted from quartet to string orchestra so that this relatively unknown piece was given a second life as the grand commercial success we know today. The American’s hypnotic, solemn piece coupled with his more Romantic Cello Concerto. A piece of great technical demand for soloist and of a grandeur comparable to Brahms. Dvořák broke new ground with his Eighth Symphony. Freed from the confines of the sonata form it is a seemingly spontaneous flow of thematic ideas. It has often been described as a “sunny” work, but in truth it is much more than that. With passages of drama, exhilaration, happiness and nostalgia it is unusually animated and tuneful, though it incorporates a streak of melancholy that occasionally erupts into fury, evoking a wide range of human emotions and is yet profoundly optimistic.

Carlo Collodis classic is a perennial favourite. It is the third most translated book in the world, having appeared in no fewer than 260 languages since it was published in 1883, and has never been out of print. Childless toymaker Geppetto buys a piece of wood to make a puppet little realising the chaos he is about to unleash. The puppet yearns for adventure and runs away, but instead of excitement only finds glorious attractions containing hidden dangers. He returns home hoping to be showered with sympathy and learns his tribulations are just beginning. Running away hasnt worked; lying wont work; he must become a real boy to achieve the belonging he craves. Collodi describes the development from puppet to real boy in the same way that useless green timber is matured into useful well-seasoned wood a transformation only achieved through trials of water and fire. Illyria celebrates this magical coming-of-age tale in a thrilling musical outdoor show.

Spain's Siglo de Oro, the Age of Gold, gave rise to some of the greatest sacred choral music of the Renaissance. The majestic music of the Spanish Renaissance will be the theme of our 2026 Choral Pilgrimage programme, 'Lead, kindly light.' This year's series features works from Cristóbal de Morales and Sebastián de Vivánco. Our programme also features spellbinding settings of words by Saint John Henry Newman: Sir James MacMillan's Nothing in Vain and the world premiere of Kerensa Briggs' Lead, kindly light, specially commissioned for the Choral Pilgrimage.

Step back in time and explore the only surviving medieval detached bell tower of any English cathedral. Chichester Cathedrals Bell Tower, built in the 1400s, has stood as a remarkable testament to the city's rich history and architectural heritage - housing an impressive ring of eight bells, a fixed hour bell, and a historic clock that still marks the passage of time. Join us for a special Bell Tower Open Day and experience a rare insight into this Grade I listed building. You will be taken through the fascinating history of the tower, from the earliest recorded bell ringing in 1232 to the magnificent 16th-century bells that still chime today. Youll also learn about the intricate art of bell ringing from our dedicated band of ringers. What to expect on the Tour A guided exploration of the Bell Tower, including its medieval architecture and historical significance. A climb up the spiral staircase to the ringing chamber, where youll witness the skill and dedication of the Cathedrals bell ringers. See a demonstration of the bells being rung with a video showing the actual bells Hear a short presentation of the history of bell ringing. There will be a static display in the base of the tower which gives more insight into the history off bellringing. Dont miss this rare opportunity to visit a truly unique part of Englands heritage. Tours are available on three dates: Saturday 11 April, Saturday 15 August, and Saturday 10 October. Each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, with four sessions running from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. Tickets are priced at 15.00 per adult and 10.00 per child. Important information Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour time: a health & safety briefing precedes the tour. If you arrive late, you will not be permitted to join the tour. Photography of the tour is permitted at points. Your guide will indicate these locations. Tripods are not permitted on the tour. Tours may be cancelled due to safeguarding or safety concerns from Cathedral Guides, or high winds and inclement weather. Refunds will be processed in case of cancellation. Please note that there are limited places to sit throughout the tour. Please note tours are in English only. Please note there is no wheelchair access to the Tower. Dogs are not permitted on this tour. Food and drink is not permitted on the tour. Suitable footwear, with good grip, must be worn. Small, cross body bags are permitted. We are not able to store personal items, larger bags or luggage on site.

Gather to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as G4 bring glad tidings of great joy this festive season, with the return of their ‘G4 Christmas’ tour in the most awe-inspiring cathedrals, priories, minsters, halls and abbeys across the UK. Step into G4's world of vocal enchantment, as they take you on a breathtaking musical journey with beautifully-blended voices, within an idyllic sacred setting. Ignite your Christmas spirit with a sprinkling of G4’s yuletide magic. Nourish your soul with their extraordinary and unique renditions of traditional carols, sacred contemplations, classical favourites and modern festive hits including Silent Night, O Holy Night, All I Want for Christmas, Walking in the Air, When a Child is Born and The 12 Days of Christmas. With mesmerising harmonies and impeccable showmanship it’s no wonder this hotly-anticipated tour sells out year after year, where the guys leave you with chills of delight and a heart full of Christmas cheer. After the show you’ll dash, dance and prance your holly jolly way all the way home, having no doubt experienced something more precious than gold, frankincense and myrrh!

Discover the stories hidden within Chichester Cathedrals historic library through our Tuesday morning workshop series, Tales from the Cathedral Library. Each session offers a chance to explore fascinating manuscripts, rare books, and other treasures, and to discuss their significance for the Church - both then and today. Step behind the scenes of one of Chichesters most remarkable spaces and learn about the Cathedral Librarys treasures in a welcoming, intimate setting - where every item has a story to tell - led by Cathedral Sub-Librarian Dr Andrew Foster and Canon Chancellor, the Rev'd Dr Earl Collins. Held in the Dresden Room, George Bell House, sessions last approximately one and a half hours and conclude with coffee, conversation, and a moment to reflect on the mornings discoveries. 16 June: Why do we have Roman Catholic works in our cathedral library? After 1570 it would have been illegal to hold Roman Catholic books in your home, yet cathedral and university college libraries obtained such books to engage in controversies and for many scholars Catholic works were well respected. What books are we talking about with regard to Chichester?

Discover the stories hidden within Chichester Cathedrals historic library through our Tuesday morning workshop series, Tales from the Cathedral Library. Each session offers a chance to explore fascinating manuscripts, rare books, and other treasures, and to discuss their significance for the Church - both then and today. Step behind the scenes of one of Chichesters most remarkable spaces and learn about the Cathedral Librarys treasures in a welcoming, intimate setting - where every item has a story to tell - led by Cathedral Sub-Librarian Dr Andrew Foster and Canon Chancellor, the Rev'd Dr Earl Collins. Held in the Dresden Room, George Bell House, sessions last approximately one and a half hours and conclude with coffee, conversation, and a moment to reflect on the mornings discoveries. 8 Sept: Why does Matthew Parker deserve our sympathy and praise? Matthew Parker was Queen Elizabeths first Archbishop of Canterbury between 1559 and 1575, yet his reputation is mixed and his work only recently coming to be appreciated. Was he a scholar out of his depth or a canny archbishop who dealt well with the hand he was forced to play?

Discover the stories hidden within Chichester Cathedrals historic library through our Tuesday morning workshop series, Tales from the Cathedral Library. Each session offers a chance to explore fascinating manuscripts, rare books, and other treasures, and to discuss their significance for the Church - both then and today. Step behind the scenes of one of Chichesters most remarkable spaces and learn about the Cathedral Librarys treasures in a welcoming, intimate setting - where every item has a story to tell - led by Cathedral Sub-Librarian Dr Andrew Foster and Canon Chancellor, the Rev'd Dr Earl Collins. Held in the Dresden Room, George Bell House, sessions last approximately one and a half hours and conclude with coffee, conversation, and a moment to reflect on the mornings discoveries. 10 Nov: Lancelot Andrewes: famous for sermons and liturgy, but over-rated? Another celebrated Bishop of Chichester (1605-09), associated with the great King James Bible of 1611, famous for his preaching yet also as the spiritual leader of those who called for the beauty of holiness in worship. What should we make of him now?

In this autumn retreat at George Bell House, largely spent in silence, we invite participants to step out of the intensity of their life and to come on a contemplative journey with Thomas Merton using the bible, his writings and his photography as our guide. This retreat will include an introduction to the life of Merton and his writings, how Merton used photography as a tool for contemplation, as well as time to explore a small collection of his photographs as an aid to contemplation. Weather permitting there will also be the opportunity to spend some time in the Bishops Place Gardens on a contemplative walk using your camera or mobile phone if you wish. The retreat will be guided by Earl Collins, the Canon Chancellor andJohn Workman, an art history postgraduate researcher and member of the Cathedral congregation. There are opportunities for individual spiritual conversation with Earl Collins alongside the sessions.

Explore the Cathedrals rich textile heritage, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Piper Tapestry. Beyond this landmark work, fibre art is everywhere throughout the building, from Victorian embroideries to contemporary fibre art.

The Cathedral is home to a significant collection of art, designed to inspire and challenge visitors. Medieval wall paintings and sculpture reliefs sit alongside Victorian glass work and contemporary art, all helping to enrich and beautify the Cathedral.

In 1966, Chichester Cathedral unveiled one of Britain's most daring post-war art commissions: a vivid tapestry by the celebrated artist and printmaker John Piper (1903–1992). In honour of this groundbreaking work, Chichester Cathedral will be hosting a new exhibition running from Friday 13 February to Sunday 15 November 2026. Glowing + Alive reveals the story behind the tapestry's creation, exploring the people and patrons who shaped the commission and examining its lasting impact on the life of the Cathedral. Alongside the exhibition, an exciting programme of events, talks and tours will engage audiences of all ages.  A complementary exhibition of new work by contemporary artist Alice Carter, Ashes To Fire (13 February – 5 April 2026), will further enrich the programme, creating a striking dialogue with Piper's masterpiece. Entry to Chichester Cathedral and the exhibition is free, though donations are welcome.

Join The Lord Chamberlain's Men this summer for Othello, one of the most captivating and thrilling plays ever written. See it performed how William Shakespeare first saw it, as The Lord Chamberlain's Men (with a history stretching back to Shakespeare's original company) present this play in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. I know my price, I am worth no worse a place. Othello, the Moor of Venice, a respected General in the Venetian army, promotes the young Cassio to be his Lieutenant over Iago, a soldier in his service. In doing so he unwittingly sparks Iago's deep-seated hatred into terrifying life and sets in motion a horrendous spiral of vengeance and destruction that sweeps away everyone before it. As Iago weaves his web and seeks his revenge, he poisons Othello against Desdemona, who he has recently and secretly married, and turns the world upside down until Othello becomes unmoored from reality with devastating consequences. Put out the light, and then put out the light. A powerful story of deception, jealousy, and a man that loved not wisely but too well - this stunning and heartbreakingly poignant play is one you won't want to miss. Bring a chair and a picnic and prepare to be rapt and transported. Book early to avoid missing out!

Join us on Chichester's Cathedral Green on Sunday 14 June (11.00-4.00pm) for SussexFest - a free community celebration marking Sussex Day and everything that makes our city and county so special. Open to all ages, this joyful gathering brings together the very best of Chichester and Sussex for a day of family entertainment, discovery and community pride. SussexFest is an open invitation to come together and celebrate Chichester - with free admission to all activities (excluding food vendors) and no booking required, It's a chance to discover the stories, creativity and communities that make Chichester and Sussex such special places to live, visit and enjoy. Throughout the day, visitors can get hands-on with free arts and crafts, explore heritage activities, and join in with creative sessions inspired by local stories and traditions. A full programme of activities led by museums, galleries, charities and community groups will be announced soon. Children can also enjoy free face-painting, drop‑in workshops and plenty of opportunities to make, try and play. Expect an uplifting mix of live performances from local community choirs, dance groups and community artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere at the heart of the city. A detailed line‑up will be shared in the coming weeks. A selection of local food and drink vendors will be joining us on the Green, offering something for all tastes – perfect for families, friends and those looking to relax with a bite to eat in the summer sunshine. You're also welcome to bring a picnic blanket and settle in for the day.

Chichester Cathedral Choir and the combined girl choristers and lay clerks of Salisbury Cathedral and Winchester Cathedral perform this special concert of sacred music, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the death of Samuel Sebastian Wesley (18101876), Organist of Winchester Cathedral, and a significant figure in the renaissance of English cathedral music during the nineteenth century. Featuring as part of the 2026 Southern Cathedrals Festival. www.southerncathedralsfestival.org.uk [//www.southerncathedralsfestival.org.uk] Festival Patrons have priority booking from 7 April Public booking opens 7am on Tuesday 5 May Programme Brahms Warum ist das Licht gegeben SS Wesley Cast me not away from thy presence Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace Blessed be the God and Father CHH Parry Selection from Songs of Farewell: - My soul, there is a country - Never weather-beaten sail - There is an old belief - Lord, let me know mine end

The combined choirs of Chichester, Salisbury and Winchester Cathedrals perform a concert of choral music, featuring the Vivaldi Gloria , Aaron Copland's In the beginning , and a new commission by Christopher Hussey with text by Rowan Williams. With orchestra Southern Pro Musica and soloists Natasha Page, Belinda Williams and Jessica Gillingwater. Featuring as part of the 2026 Southern Cathedrals Festival. www.southerncathedralsfestival.org.uk [//www.southerncathedralsfestival.org.uk] Festival Patrons have priority booking from 7 April Public booking opens 7am on Tuesday 5 May Programme Antonio Vivaldi Gloria Henry Purcell Movements from King Arthur Aaron Copland In the beginning Christopher Hussey Songs from the Temple Illumination No. 1: MAN (SCF Commission 2026)

Celebrated German organist Markus Eichenlaub (Organist, Heidelberg Jesuit Church) performs in Chichester Cathedral, playing music by Bach, Heredia, Mthel, Karg-Elert, Cochereau, Bossi and Whitlock. Featuring as part of the 2026 Southern Cathedrals Festival. www.southerncathedralsfestival.org.uk [//www.southerncathedralsfestival.org.uk] Festival Patrons have priority booking from 7 April Public booking opens 7am on Tuesday 5 May

Pianist Tim Rumsey gives a late night piano recital in the intimate space of Chichester Cathedral's South Transept, performing music by American composers Charles Griffes and Earl Wild. Featuring as part of the 2026 Southern Cathedrals Festival. www.southerncathedralsfestival.org.uk [//www.southerncathedralsfestival.org.uk] Festival Patrons have priority booking from 7 April Public booking opens 7am on Tuesday 5 May

Howard Goodall, a composer who has become a household name through his TV scores for The Vicar of Dibley, Blackadder and Mr Bean, is at heart a choral composer. Unconditional Love was written at the height of the Covid pandemic and is at its core a work of gratitude, remembrance and of hope for a world rebuilt. Alongside this fine contemporary work are motets and partsongs spanning the 16th to 20th centuries the whole programme encapsulated by the title of Gerald Finzis little masterpiece 'My spirit sang all day'.

Ascend through nearly 950 years of history, guided by knowledgeable volunteers, to theroof spaces of Chichester Cathedral. This 45 minute journey includes climbing winding staircases and exploring roof spaces previously closed to the public.

Join the Cathedrals Canon Chancellor, the Reverend Dr Earl Collins, for a reflective and engaging study day that takes some of the most searching questions of Christian faith seriously. Set in the welcoming and contemplative surroundings ofGeorge Bell House, this day offers space to think deeply, listen attentively, and speak honestly about God, Jesus, and what faith means for real life today. Designed for anyone who is curious, thoughtful, or simply wanting to explore the foundations of Christian belief more deeply, the day combines accessible teaching with open conversation. No prior knowledge is needed, and there is no expectation to arrive with ready-made answers. The sessions will be interactive, with input followed by questions and discussions. Participants need only bring themselves. We will work through relevant biblical passages, and some reading material will be provide The study days run all day on each of the following dates and includes both sessions listed below. Tuesday 30 June: Who is God anyway? In this session we will look at how 'God' has been viewed by some Christian thinkers and grapple with issues like: what do they mean by 'God', how do we speak about God at all, and does the notion of God help us live dignified, beautiful, and worthwhile lives? Tuesday 14 July: What difference does Jesus make? At Easter we sing, 'What good would life have been to us, had Christ not come as our redeemer?' Looking at the New Testament witness to Christ and based on his name and titles 'Jesus, Christ, Lord' we will ask key questions about who he is and what difference he makes for living and dying.

Chichester Cathedral looks forward to warmly welcoming participants of Chichester Pride to Choral Evensong on Friday 19th June 2026. We invite you to let us know if you are planning to attend so we can cater appropriately. Chichester Pride exists to promote the diversity, inclusivity, respect and unity of all communities within the city of Chichester. The Cathedral is looking forward to inviting members of Pride from across the city to take part in Choral Evensong, and to pray for greater respect, tolerance and understanding in this City and across the world. This service is part of the normal schedule of services at the Cathedral, so it is open to everyone. We look forward to warmly welcoming you. The service will be followed by drinks.

A brand-new show for 2026, Three Tenors brings together three outstanding voices for an evening of some of the greatest operatic arias ever written. Three Tenors was a phenomenon born in Rome in 1990, on the eve of the World Cup, when three superstar tenors brought opera to a vast global audience and created one of the best-selling classical albums of all time. This programme captures that same sense of occasion, celebrating the power, romance and excitement of the great tenor repertoire. Spanning opera, song and operetta, the programme ranges from the sunlit warmth of Neapolitan classics such as Torna a Surriento and O sole mio to the great showstoppers of Italian opera, including the famous drinking song from La traviata and the instantly recognisable La donna mobile from Rigoletto. Also featured are some of operas other best-loved arias, including Donizettis Una furtiva lagrima and Puccinis E lucevan le stelle, alongside the elegance and charm of Viennese operetta favourites by Lehr. Sacred works including Francks Panis Angelicus and Schuberts Ave Maria bring moments of stillness and reflection, before the evening builds to one of the most thrilling climaxes in all opera: Puccinis Nessun dorma.

Experience Vivaldi’s iconic masterpiece The Four Seasons as you’ve never heard it before. A cornerstone of classical music, this vivid and revolutionary work captures the essence of nature with breathtaking virtuosity and emotional power. Its influence continues to echo through centuries of music-making, and remains one of the most beloved compositions in the classical canon.

Illuminating Art offers a journey through four centuries of artistic imagination - from the drama of the Baroque to the luminous colour of the Impressionists - alongside references to pioneering developments such as early photography, the age of steam and the beginnings of animation. Running from 23 31 October 2026, this years experience builds on the success of the inaugural event during the Cathedrals 950th anniversary year, when more than 14,500 visitors stepped inside an extraordinary world of light and sound, seeing the building in a completely new way. Now established as a key moment in the Cathedrals cultural calendar, the 2026 Light Experience will explore the theme Illuminating Art. This is a particularly fitting focus for Chichester Cathedral, renowned for its rich artistic heritage and its remarkable contribution to modern religious art. Created using large-scale projection and an original score by composer David Harper, Illuminating Art will see the Cathedrals architecture, from its Norman stonework to its soaring nave - reimagined as a canvas for digital art. Visitors will move through a series of immersive environments, where light and sound respond to the buildings form and scale. The experience unfolds as a carefully curated journey through the Cathedral, with each space offering a distinct atmosphere and perspective. From more intimate moments of detail and texture to expansive displays of colour and motion, the installation builds in scale and intensity, culminating in the nave where the full height and grandeur of the Cathedral are brought to life in a striking finale.