Christmas at Ely 2018 Joyfully proclaiming the love of God in worship, outreach, welcome and care www.elycathedral.org
Advent and Christmas at Ely Cathedral Acknowledged as one of the finest medieval buildings in Europe, Ely s impressive Cathedral is the perfect place to visit and spend quality time with friends and family during the festive season. There is so much to see and experience, including Christmas services and concerts with the Cathedral choristers, family-themed events, gift shopping, festive refreshments, tower tours and the spectacular 30ft Christmas tree which stands magnificently decorated under the Octagon. We look forward to welcoming you and wish you a happy and peaceful Christmastide. The Almonry Restaurant & Tea Rooms Located in the Cathedral precinct, just off the High Street, The Almonry s main restaurant is situated in a 13th-century vaulted Undercroft providing a truly unique space to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea. Our new Chef Manager specialises in using good quality, locally sourced produce and has created a delicious menu which will be served throughout the festive season. You can download the Christmas Menu from our website. The Almonry is also available for evening bookings for Christmas celebrations for up to 80 guests or for private hire. The Refectory Café Conveniently situated just inside the Cathedral s main entrance, The Refectory Café offers lunches and light refreshments including home-made scones and mince pies. This cosy, friendly café provides an ideal spot to meet with friends and family after a busy day shopping with the added bonus of being able to view the Cathedral s Christmas tree. Ely Cathedral Gift Shops Discover perfect presents for family and friends in our festive themed gift shops with beautiful bespoke items such as jewellery, books, toiletries, accessories and homeware. From mid November both shops will also have in stock a wide selection of seasonal merchandise including cards, wrapping paper, decorations and baubles. Box Office: 01353 660349 (Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 4pm) www.elycathedral.org *Ticketed event. Dates and times correct at time of going to press. Please visit our website for any unscheduled changes or cancellations. More information about these events can be found on our website. Follow us on Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL Tel: 01353 667735. Email: receptionist@elycathedral.org Cover image: Debbie Bellaby Illustration for The Friends of Ely Cathedral Christmas 2017 card available from our shops.
Friday 7 December 2018 7.15pm A spectacular evening in celebration of Christmas Friday 7 December, 7.15pm* Tickets: 35, 25, 18, 12.50 Box Office: 01353 660349 www.elycathedral.org Follow us on A spectacular evening in celebration of Christmas with music from Ely Cathedral Choir, The Ely Imps and featuring special guest, Ruthie Henshall. Hark! The Herald Saturday 22 December, 7.30pm* A memorable evening of traditional Christmas carols and seasonal music in the magical setting of Ely Cathedral. The magnificent 30ft Christmas tree and soaring voices of the Cathedral Choir accompanied by Ely Sinfonia create a very special Christmas event for family and friends.
Tuesday 20 November, 7.30pm* Sunday 2 December, 6pm Advent Procession with Carols This awe-inspiring service helps us prepare our hearts and minds for the season of Advent, a time of patient waiting and joyful expectation. We hear the choir sing from many locations within the Cathedral. The liturgy begins with two choristers calling Drop down ye heavens. One chorister sings aloft from the clock tower at the West end of the building and the other sings from one of the Angel windows in the Lantern. Tuesday 4 December, 9pm Advent Compline A beautiful candlelit service to help wind down at the end of the day, sung by the Cathedral s Compline Choir.
Saturday 8 December, 3pm Christingle Service in aid of the Children s Society Christingle was established in 1747 as a symbol of Christ s light and love and has since become a popular family celebratory and community event. It is named after the Christingles that are lit during the service and made from an orange decorated with red tape, sweets and a candle. Sunday 9 December, 5.15pm The Big Christmas Tree Lights Switch-on Service Come and enjoy the biggest, most spectacular Christmas tree in Ely as we count down to the switching on of the lights. This popular family event celebrates the festive season in song and prayer, concluding with the blessing of the magnificent tree! Tuesday 11 December 1pm Pre-School Christmas Celebration 9pm Advent Compline Thursday 13 December, 10.30am Christmas Story and Song Time (Recommended for children up to the age of 5 with their parents or carers) Meet at the Christmas tree. A very special event for younger children re-telling the Christmas Story in the wonderful setting of the Cathedral. This short service will include storytelling and festive snacks, as well as songs and prayers in preparation for Christmas. Friday 14 December, 5.30pm Evensong featuring Britten s Ceremony of Carols with the Girls of Ely Cathedral Choir Accompanied by Anne Denholm, Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales. Saturday 15 December, 2pm Community Christmas Carol Sing Along Forget the Christmas shopping for an hour! Come and sing along to your favourite carols accompanied by the Littleport Brass Band. With Christmas music, readings and prayers. Sunday 16 December 1.30pm Papworth Hospital Christmas Carol Service* 6.30pm Advent Taizé Service
Tuesday 18 December 9pm Advent Compline Sunday 23 & Monday 24 December, 6pm Carol Services featuring the Boys, Girls and Men of Ely Cathedral Choir Monday 24 December Children s Crib Services Noon - featuring the Ely Cathedral Children s Choir, The Ely Imps 3pm - featuring the Boys of Ely Cathedral Choir The children of the Cathedral re-tell the story of Christmas in this wonderful tableau of shepherds, angels, wise men and very special VIP guests from the local donkey sanctuary. Sing carols and experience the awe and wonder as we enjoy the celebrations to mark the birth of Jesus. Dressing up optional! Monday 24 December 11.30pm Midnight Mass Tuesday 25 December 10.30am Christmas Day Sung Eucharist Noon Christmas Day Community Lunch* 4pm Christmas Day Evensong Sunday 30 December, 4pm (Rehearsal 2.30-3.45pm) Come and Sing Carols
2019 Event Highlights 5-28 February The Beautiful Stitch An Exhibition from The Embroiderers Guild The Embroiderers Guild Collection is full of stories behind the techniques and styles of embroidery on display. Incorporating textiles from the 16th Century to the present day, this special exhibition will inform and, in some cases, amaze the visitor and even alter their preconceived ideas on embroidery. Entry included with Cathedral admission fee. See our website www.elycathedral.org for more information. 18 May - 9 June Science Festival The Sky s The Limit! A spectacular science event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing including an opportunity to experience the Museum of the Moon, a 7 metre diameter lunar replica hovering above the Cathedral s nave. Come and explore the wonders of space through themed activity nights, an interactive space exhibition, talks by leading experts including the Astronomer Royal, plus movies, art, music and much more. For a full programme of events visit www.elycathedral.org Normal admission fees apply (children under 16 go free), excluding special events. A 10 day science spectacular to celebrate the 50th Come and explore the wonders of space through 18 May 9 June 2019
Christmas Gift & Food Fair Wednesday 14 November* 6.30pm - 9pm Preview Evening Thursday 15 November* 9.30am - 4.30pm Over 120 trade stalls are located Wednesday in the Cathedral s 14 November magnificent 6.30pm nave, 9pm its famous Preview Lady Evening Chapel and a heated marquee Thursday in the 15 beautiful November Cathedral 9.30am grounds. 4.30pm As well as shopping, the Fair also features Live Demonstrations, Musical Entertainment, Café & Food Vendors, a Festive Friday Food 16 Hall, November Vintage Carousel 9am 10am plus Reindeer Exclusive Entry and for Children s shoppers with whee Entertainment (Saturday 10am Only) - a 4.30pm great day / 6.30pm out for the 9pm whole family. Saturday 17 November 9.30am 4.30pm Due to the popularity of this event, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Box Office: 01353 660349 Box www.elycathedral.org Office: 01353 660349 Pre-booking recommended w.elycathedral.org w.elycathedral.org Christmas Gift & Food Fair 2018 Friday 16 November * 9am - 10am shoppers with wheels 10am - 4.30pm / 6.30pm - 9pm Saturday 17 November* 9.30am - 4.30pm