Back to School – Evensong is Back

The new school term is here which means the return of Choral Evensong.

There are a couple of services with a difference at some of our cathedrals.

Back to school … Choral Evensong is back and there are special services for the new school term

Canterbury Cathedral is hosting a Back to School event for families aimed at those with primary school-aged children.

The event aims to celebrate a child’s transition into the new academic year whether they are starting school for the first time or they are going into their next school year.

Back to School will take place on Saturday 16 September and will include a musical workshop, a talk and a blessing, craft activity, and all children will take away a free gift.

Families are invited to bring their own picnics to enjoy in the cathedral precincts. This is a free ticketed event and tickets are available here.

Sheffield Cathedral will hold a special service next Sunday (10 September) to bless students’ school bags for the new term.

The Dean of Sheffield, the very Revd Abi Thompson introduced this event last year to tie in with Education Sunday when churches across the UK celebrate learning, and it was so successful the cathedral is bringing it back.

During the Sunday morning service on 10 September, the Dean will invite children and their teachers and assistants to the altar for a special blessing.

A spokesperson for the cathedral said:

“Starting school can be a tricky time for some children and we wanted to do something to help.

“The blessing may give those children an extra confidence boost.

“You don’t have to be religious either, anyone is welcome to join in. We want to wish all children – and teachers – the very best for the year ahead.”

The blessing will take place during the 10.30am service and all are welcome.

Back to school means our choirs are back and that can only mean one thing! Choral Evensong.

So join us at a cathedral near you, and mark the passing of the day.