Join us this Advent and Christmas for services, events and much more, as we mark the season here at Bradford Cathedral, under the banner of 'At the heart of Christmas'.
'At the heart of Christmas' is the Church of England’s theme for Advent and Christmas 2021. Churches and Cathedrals all over the country will be welcoming their communities – onsite and online – to celebrate and share the good news of Christ’s birth with special services and events, supported by a wide range of national resources and support.
Scroll down, or click the links below, for more information on how Bradford Cathedral is marking the season.
Following the latest guidance from the government and the Church of England, we are putting the following into place to ensure we can continue to hold our events and services safely.
We will be limiting numbers to 270 guests, to ensure we can provide socially distanced seating of at least one metre between groups
We are continuing to recommend the use of hand sanitiser and this will be available at the entrance to the Cathedral
Face coverings are required in the Cathedral's public spaces, unless you are exempt, and our team of clergy, staff and volunteers will wear face masks (unless they are exempt)
Face coverings are to be worn when seated at a service and event, including when singing (unless you are exempt). Our clergy and staff will also wear masks unless they are speaking at a service, and our choir will wear masks when not in the choir stalls or singing
We will be continuing to offer increased ventilation in the Cathedral by keeping doors and windows open. This may make the Cathedral colder than usual, so you may need to dress for the lower temperature
When a service or event is over, we ask if you wait to be directed to the exit by a member of the team so we can help manage everyone leaving safely
We are also recommending anyone attending one of our services and events takes a lateral flow test, and only attending if the result is negative
Catch-up
Marie Curie Yorkshire - Lights to Remember
This virtual event includes readings recorded at the Cathedral as well as the Girls' Choir singing 'Away in a Manger'.
Join us for the Annual City Carol Service with the Lord Mayor, Lord Lieutenant, and other Civic dignitaries.
This service is led by the organ and choir of Bradford Cathedral and the City of Bradford Brass Band.
BBC Radio Leeds Carol Concert (Recorded live at Bradford Cathedral)
Andrew Edwards presents the BBC Radio Leeds Christmas Carol Service.
Look out for our Advent and Christmas themed #PhotoADay, appearing on Twitter and Instagram from the end of November: can you work out where our little Chorister elves have ended up?
Our daily Bradvent Calendar videos are back - look out for exciting content each day, plus there will be some brand new surprises too!
Digital School Resources
You can find our digital school resources for Advent and Christmas on our dedicated page.
Other Attractions and Events
With more to be announced, here are some of the other things happening during Advent and Christmas
Our Star in the Tower shining across the city
Our Christmas trees, up now in the Cathedral
A Crib in our State Gate for you to visit
Church of England Christmas Single
The Church of England has released a Christmas single as part of a campaign to encourage more people to hear the real Christmas story through their local church.
You can find out more, and download / stream 'In the Bleak Midwinter', by visiting the Church of England website.
Sparkling Bradford Winter
This winter it’s time to create some sparkle, whether we’re on lockdown at home or looking forward to being able to get out and about again, we’re here to give you a virtual hug and a sprinkle of joy as we journey through these winter days. To find out more, please visit the Sparkling Bradford Winter website.
Opening Times
These may be subject to change, but we're currently open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm (except Wednesdays, 12noon - 4pm).
Our opening times over the Christmas period, after Christmas Eve, are as follows:
Saturday 25th December 2021 | Open for our services
Sunday 26th December 2021 | Open for our services
Bradford Cathedral will be closed from Saturday 25th December 2021 to Monday 3rd January 2022 inclusive, except for services.
DailyHope phone line
DailyHope, is a free national telephone line, offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of the phone.
