The List

Exeter Cathedral

What's On @ Exeter Cathedral

The Seven Sins of Tango

The Seven Sins of Tango

26 Jun 2026 - 26 Jun 2026

The Seven Sins of Tango by Candlelight is a brand-new production for 2026, featuring two champion tango dancers accompanied by a 10-piece ensemble from the world-renowned London Concertante. It is straight from Argentina, merging the smouldering music of Astor Piazzolla and his contemporaries with electrifying choreography and virtuosic musicianship, revealing tango in its most authentic yet sophisticated form. Tango showcases Argentinas most iconic dance, combining its sensual elegance with raw intensity and razor-sharp precision. This passionate language is pushed to its very limits, creating an exhilarating spectacle for eyes and ears alike. Accompanying the dancers on stage, the programme features the very best music from tangos golden era, including Piazzollas Suite del Diablo (Suite of the Devil), the haunting Oblivion, and the most famous hit of them all: Libertango. We also hear works by other composers from the bars or Buenos Aires at the time, such as Francisco de Caro, and Jacob Gade. For this exciting project, London Concertante joins forces once again with celebrated pianist and composer David Gordon, whose arrangements and original works breathe fresh life into tangos sensual and fiery soundworld.
Roof Tour

Roof Tour

20 Jun 2026 - 26 Aug 2026

This fascinating behind-the-scenes tour takes you into the roof void high above the Nave, into the South Tower, the Lead Room and the Ringing Chamber and then through the spaces in the North Tower. If weather permits we extend the tour onto the North Tower to enjoy some of the best views of Exeter (and beyond). Dress: Flat-soled shoes are essential, no flip flops please.
G4 Christmas

G4 Christmas

5 Nov 2026 - 30 Dec 2026

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!
Spotlight on...The Exeter Book

Spotlight on...The Exeter Book

28 Sept 2026 - 28 Sept 2026

Discover the oldest book of English literature in the world! This exclusive curator-led tour of the Treasures Exhibition centres on the Exeter Book. Join Cathedral Librarian, Emma Laws, for a close encounter with one of the worlds most remarkable medieval manuscripts. Ideal for history enthusiasts and literature lovers alike! Places are limited; booking is essential.
Leading Ladies: Stories of Ordinary and Extraordinary Women
Celebrate women through history and discover their stories at this special tour of the Cathedral and Cathedral Library. Journey through time from medieval saints and mystics to Enlightenment scientists and Victorian illuminators and calligraphers, and discover their lives, challenges and achievements. Tours begin in the Cathedral and end in the Cathedral Library and Archives Places are limited; booking is essential.
Summer Organ Recital: Michael Stephens-Jones
Enjoy the awe-inspiring sound of the Cathedral’s magnificent organ as the evening sun reflects on the unparalleled architecture of the nave during our summer recital series. These concerts will feature some of the country’s leading players, performing a veritable feast of varied organ music, with a video-link to the organ loft, enabling the audience to see the magic unfold on the keys at close quarter. Michael Stephens-Jones has been the Assistant Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral since September 2023. Following a gap-year at Tewkesbury Abbey, Michael spent three years at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he served as Organ Scholar, graduating with a Starred First in Music in 2021. In his final year he was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists, gaining the Limpus prize, Dr F. J. Read prize, and Coventry Cathedral Recital Award for his performance. Following this, he was awarded the Silver Medal of the Musicians’ Company. After leaving Cambridge, Michael went on to hold positions at Guildford Cathedral, and St Paul’s Cathedral, London. Having won first prize in the 2016 London Organ Competition, Michael has given recitals widely, with highlights including Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, and the 2022 Three Choirs Festival. He has also been heard in broadcasts of Evensong on BBC Radio 3, and on Classic FM as the organist for the 2022 Guide Dogs UK Charity Carol Concert held at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Summer Organ Recital: Timothy Noon

Summer Organ Recital: Timothy Noon

16 Jul 2026 - 16 Jul 2026

Enjoy the awe-inspiring sound of the Cathedral’s magnificent organ as the evening sun reflects on the unparalleled architecture of the nave during our summer recital series. These concerts will feature some of the country’s leading players, performing a veritable feast of varied organ music, with a video-link to the organ loft, enabling the audience to see the magic unfold on the keys at close quarter. Timothy Noon is the Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral. He received his early music education as a chorister at Hereford Cathedral, later learning the organ with Dr Roy Massey. At the age of seventeen he was appointed Organ Scholar of Canterbury Cathedral, and the following year became Organ Scholar at Christ Church, Oxford where he also read for a degree in music. In 1993 he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, winning six prizes in the examination, including the coveted Limpus prize. Since then Timothy has held the roles of sub-organist of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, Assistant Organist at Canterbury Cathedral, Organist and Master of the Choristers of St Davids Cathedral (Wales), then Director of Music at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool. Timothy has appeared many times on television and radio and has made numerous commercial recordings to date as soloist, accompanist and conductor. As an organist, he is a frequent solo performer, giving concerts in many prestigious venues across Europe and New Zealand. To be with his Kiwi wife, Elizabeth, Timothy moved to New Zealand in 2011, accepting the position of Director of Music at Auckland Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Immersing himself in the country’s musical scene, he worked not only on a daily basis with the cathedral’s three choirs, but by serving as a council member of Australia and New Zealand College of Organists, on the governing body of the New Zealand Choral Federation, and participating as organist in projects with Auckland’s main orchestras.
Summer Organ Recital: Michael D'Avanzo
Exeter Cathedral Organ Scholar, Michael D'Avanzo, will be performing a delightful seasonal concert as part of our Summer Concert Series, celebrating exceptional organ music in one of the countrys most atmospheric and historic sacred spaces.
Summer Organ Recital: Willeke Smits
Organist, Willeke Smits, will be performing a delightful seasonal concert as part of our Summer Concert Series, celebrating exceptional organ music in one of the countrys most atmospheric and historic sacred spaces.
Libera in Concert

Libera in Concert

23 Jul 2026 - 23 Jul 2026

I like them so much they sang at my wedding Aled Jones Libera will be returning to Exeter Cathedral for the first time since 2015. The magical sounds of Libera enchant audiences across the world - from Toronto to Tokyo, from Westminster to Washington and even on Viking cruise ships. The boys' distinctive white robes recall Libera's traditional origins, yet their music reaches across the generations to a wide audience. The unique sound of Libera is impossible to pigeonhole, but it appeals to fans worldwide. The singers of Libera are aged seven to sixteen. They come from many backgrounds, attending schools in South London. Although they are boys and they sing, they do not think of themselves as choirboys, but rather as an alternative kind of boy band.
St Sidwell 2026 - Women and Witchcraft in Tudor and Stuart St Sidwells talk by Professor Mark
St Sidwells is the largest parish in Exeter with a rich and vibrant history. Named after the citys native saint, Sidwella, the manor of St Sidwell formerly belonged to the Cathedrals Dean and Chapter and was the scene of many bitter disputes between the cathedral and city authorities during the medieval and early modern periods. The most populous of all of Exeters parishes, St Sidwells was burnt to the ground during the Civil War of the 1640s, forcing the inhabitants to seek shelter elsewhere, and it took decades for the destroyed properties to be rebuilt. St Sidwells was also a hotbed of witch-belief, and a St Sidwells woman is the first person known to have been executed for that alleged crime in the whole of South West England. In this lively talk, historian Professor Mark Stoyle will provide an overview of St Sidwells turbulent past, concentrating on the stories of the local women (and some men) who were accused of witchcraft by their terrified neighbours.
Labyrinth Workshop

Labyrinth Workshop

25 Jul 2026 - 25 Jul 2026

An opportunity to explore the origins and use of the labyrinth and to learn how to create your own handheld classic seven pathway.
Exhibition Opening: the Orchard Cafe Quartet
The Orchard Cafe String Quartet's candlelit programme will be a blend of their favourite Scandanavian folk tune arrangements alongside original tunes and arrangements written by the quartet. The two Devon artists exhibiting their work are Ray and Val Jones.
Onwards and Upwards Tour

Onwards and Upwards Tour

25 Jun 2026 - 23 Jul 2026

This is just a fantastic tour for those who want an in depth introduction to the Cathedral. Firstly, we explore the Cathedral floor where we see the best of the medieval building in all its splendour before heading up to the Roof to see the space that was never meant for the public. We climb high above the Nave, walking along the vaulted ceiling and see the racking that could have resulted the complete destruction of the roof; we see the lead room, where smelting took place, before moving to the bell-ringing chamber. Stepping through a Norman window into the flag room we ascend, weather permitting, the Romanesque North Tower which has some of the best views over Exeter and beyond. At two and a half hours this is our longest tour and just brilliant value.
London Concertante: A Night at the Opera by Candlelight
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!
A Night at the Opera

A Night at the Opera

18 Sept 2026 - 18 Sept 2026

This experience is brought to you by Candlelight Concerts. This concert is not affiliated with the Fever Original Candlelight series. Stunning programme of compositions including Flower Duet and Habanera. Exceptional classical performances. The perfect option for first-time classical concert-goers.
Library & Archives In Focus: Through the Frontispiece
Engraved frontispieces emerged in early modern Europe as gateways to books. Produced by skilled engravers, they combined portraiture, allegory, and decorative design to signal a work's themes, prestige, and authorship. Step through the frontispiece, and discover how a single image can open the door to an entire narrative. This is a free drop-in event; no booking is required
Wonder, Wander and Walk the Labyrinth – Special Workshop
This is an opportunity to explore the origins and use of the labyrinth and to learn how to create your own handheld classic seven pathway. The workshop will be led by Carole Herbert and Gwynn Paulett who share a passion for walking the labyrinth and it will involve both a teaching and experiential element. Places are limited for the workshop so please book ahead.
Stones and Bones

Stones and Bones

23 Jun 2026 - 7 Jul 2026

From murder to burials this tour is a wonderful amalgam of history and archaeology as we delve into the stories of the Cathedral Green and explore the surroundings of the Cathedral. We move from Roman times to the present day and discover the secrets of Exeters cemetery (you may be surprised), learn about the buildings of the Close and the evolution of the Cathedral over the last 900 years.
Exeter Independent Market

Exeter Independent Market

25 Jul 2026 - 29 Aug 2026

Discover the best of Exeter and the South West at the Exeter Independent Market on Cathedral Green. Soak up the unique atmosphere of Cathedral Green with live music from local performers, while discovering a rich variety of our region's finest makers and traders. Whether you are looking for handmade crafts, clothes and accessories, locally produced food and drink or vintage treasures, Exeter Independent Market offers a unique one-stop shop in the heart of the city.
Monteverdi Vespers of 1610

Monteverdi Vespers of 1610

11 Jul 2026 - 11 Jul 2026

Few works in the choral repertoire rival the splendour and daring of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610. A masterpiece that bridges the Renaissance and the Baroque, the work dazzles with its kaleidoscope of styles: majestic choral writing, sumptuous solo motets and intimate chamber textures, all bound together by Monteverdi's unmistakable dramatic flair. In this performance, Exeter Festival Chorus joins forces with the acclaimed vocal octet Contrepoint, whose singers will bring their artistry and precision to the virtuosic solo lines. The combined voices will capture the vibrancy of early 17th-century Venice, accompanied by Devon Baroque Orchestra and the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble in music of luminous grandeur and spiritual depth. From the soaring opening Deus in adjutorium to the radiant final Magnificat, you will find yourself absorbed by a work of breathtaking contrasts - solemn devotion, ecstatic joy and shimmering beauty. This collaboration of voices and instruments promises an unforgettable evening of one of the greatest sacred works ever written. Artists: Contrepoint, Devon Baroque, English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble
Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight

Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight

19 Jun 2026 - 6 Feb 2027

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.

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