Spend some time at Peterborough Cathedral on Platinum Jubilee Weekend!

May 30, 2022

Photos from HM The Queen’s visits to Peterborough Cathedral in 1975 and 1988, as well as portraits of Her Majesty created by children from Culworth Primary Academy and Oundle CE Primary School will be part of a mini-display at the Cathedral over the Platinum Jubilee Weekend.

Other events at the Cathedral include a celebratory peal of bells, lighting of the West Front in red, white and blue each evening, and a Jubilee picnic and special service of Choral Evensong on Sunday 5 June.

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a visit to the Cathedral over the weekend. Tower Tours are running at 2.00pm on Thursday and Friday, and again at 10.00am on Saturday. This adventurous tour takes you to the hidden upper levels of the building to explore its history, and to see the spectacular views across Peterborough from the central tower. Numbers on each tour are limited so early booking is recommended.

Guided Highlights Tours of the ground level of the Cathedral will be taking place at 2.30pm on the Thursday and again at 11.30am and 2.30pm on Friday. They are the perfect introduction to the Cathedral’s history, from sacred relics to royal burials, and our knowledgeable guides are happy to answer questions as you go.

Visitors are also welcome to simply look around at their own pace. There is no entry charge and donations are invited to help with the cost of keeping the Cathedral open. There will also be a selection of Jubilee memorabilia on sale in the Cathedral Shop.

The West Front of the Cathedral will be lit after dark in red, white and blue from Thursday evening and throughout the weekend, and the bells will ring both on Friday at 11.30am and, with an attempt at a full peal of bells, on Saturday from 1.00pm.

On Sunday 5 June, from 12.00-3.00pm, the Jubilee Picnic takes place on the Cathedral Green. The event is fully booked, although there will be some space for people who bring their own picnics. The entertainment during the afternoon will include a duo of Indian dancers, the Veter Timor Band and a celebratory programme from mezzo-soprano, Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues.

Civic dignitaries including the Lords Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland, as well as the Mayor of Peterborough will be amongst those attending the special service of Choral Evensong at 3.30pm. The music for the service includes the Jubilee anthem commissioned by the Royal School of Church Music, In our Service, with text drawn from Her Majesty’s own words and reflecting her strong Christian faith. There will also be music and readings associated with royal coronations and other significant moments in her reign. All are welcome at the service and no booking is required.

Canon Tim Alban Jones, Vice Dean, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for Her Majesty’s long reign. We look forward to welcoming lots of people to the Cathedral during this very special weekend.”

Tower Tour tickets are £15 per person and full details are online here www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/towertour. Tickets for the Highlights Tour are £5 per person and available via the Cathedral website or on arrival (subject to availability).

For more information please visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk or email info@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.