The Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint Alban
Every effort is made to keep this page up-to-date and the information accurate. However, before attending an event, it is always advisable to check dates and times with the Cathedral on +44 (0)1727 860780 or the contact name given.
Please select an event from the list for more information:
When: 5 Feb 2012
Time: 15.00
Location: Meet at the West End
Details:
The "More to Explore" tours take place on the 1st Sunday of the month unless otherwise stated. Starting from the West End of the Cathedral at 3:00pm these special subject tours are free and all are welcome.
5 February 2012 - Sculpture in the Abbey
4 March 2012 - Monuments
1 April 2012 - The Abbey as a Place of Learning
6 May 2012 - Gothic in the Nave – revisited
3 June 2012 - Abbots John de Cella and William of Trumpington
When: 13 - 20 Feb 2012
Time: 08.30 - 17.45
Location: North Transept
Details:
The Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns has a travelling exhibition to celebrate its 25th Anniversary. It will be at St Albans Cathedral between the 13th and the 20th February 2012.
There it will be supplemented by eye-catching visual material from the St Albans’ diocesan Race Equality group, on its work to combat racism locally.
Please note, the Exhibition will be open from midday on 13th February and will close midday on 20th February.
When: 15 Feb 2012
Time: 17.00
Location: External - see details below
Details:
For what we hope will become an annual event, we are returning to the Barbican to hear the LSO perform music by Rachmaninov, Korngold, and Bartok. Rachmaninov’s Isle of the Dead is a symphonic poem composed in 1908, as a meditation on the relationship between life and death. It is a good example of late Russian romanticism. Korngold’s Violin Concerto was composed in 1947. It deftly combines his classical music background with his experience of writing operas in Vienna and composing film scores for Hollywood. It is a virtuoso piece for a violinist, of great emotional beauty, and is deservedly popular. Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra, composed in 1943, is one of his best known and most accessible works. It reflects his deep interest in Hungarian folk music and his love of Bach.
The soloist is Leonidas Kavakos, an artist of rare quality, known for his musicianship and integrity of playing, an outstanding violinist with a great reputation. Antonio Pappano is the conductor, an LSO guest conductor and the music director of the Royal Opera House, who recently conducted Rossini’s opera William Tell at the Proms to great acclaim.
This promises to be an inspirational evening. We have reserved 49 seats in the Circle. Our coach will leave Westminster Lodge car park at 5pm. There should be time for a light supper in one of the Barbican’s restaurants, and we hope to have the opportunity to meet members of the LSO at an Interval Reception. The concert starts at 7.30pm, and should end by 9.30pm. Tickets: Members £29; Non-members £31.50 (includes coach travel, admission, and interval reception).
When: 16 Feb 2012
Time: 10.30 - 12.30
Location: Register in the North Transept
Details:
All in the Family
This fun trail for half term looks at families connected to the Cathedral; the famous, the infamous and the outrageous! After the trail children can enjoy a themed craft activity.
FREE
Family Discovery Mornings are suitable for ages 3 to 11. We recommend arriving before midday to ensure you can complete the activities. All children attending must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When: 19 Feb 2012
Time: 18.30
Location: Retro-choir
Details:
An evening service with instrumental music, a meditation and singing. All are welcome to attend.
Preacher - tbc
These services take place in the Cathedral three times a year.
Future dates for 2012 are as follows -
Sunday 19 February
Sunday 10 June
Sunday 28 October
When: 1 Mar 2012
Time: 19.30 - 21.00
Location: Meet in the Abbot's Kitchen
Details:
This unique, atmospheric tour gives you the rare chance to explore this magnificent Cathedral by candlelight. As darkness descends, you are guided around the candlelit venue by Guides dressed as monks and historical characters who bring to life the building’s remarkable history and highlights.
The Abbey by Night tours are rare and numbers are limited so we advise early booking.
Tickets cost £10 per person and include a drinks reception before the tour starts.
Drinks reception: 19.30 in the Abbot's Kitchen at the Cathedral. Tour Starts: 20.00. Please note: a later tour is also available at 20.30.
Tickets are available from the Cathedral Book Shop or by phone on 01727 890213.
Bookings are accepted, subject to availability, on a first come first served basis. Tickets are non-refundable. Children aged 10 to 18 may take the tour if accompanied by an adult. The tour is not suitable for children under 10. Please let us know if you require wheelchair access.
When: 1 Mar 2012
Time: 20.00 - 21.30
Location: Meet in the Abbot's Kitchen
Details:
This unique, atmospheric tour gives you the rare chance to explore this magnificent Cathedral by candlelight. As darkness descends, you are guided around the candlelit venue by Guides dressed as monks and historical characters who bring to life the building’s remarkable history and highlights.
The Abbey by Night tours are rare and numbers are limited so we advise early booking.
Tickets cost £10 per person and include a drinks reception before the tour starts.
Drinks reception: 20.00 in the Abbot's Kitchen at the Cathedral. Tour Starts: 20.30. Please Note: an earlier tour is also available at 20.00.
Tickets are available from the Cathedral Book Shop or by phone on 01727 890213.
Bookings are accepted, subject to availability, on a first come first served basis. Tickets are non-refundable. Children aged 10 to 18 may take the tour if accompanied by an adult. The tour is not suitable for children under 10. Please let us know if you require wheelchair access.
When: 12 Apr 2012
Time: 10.30 - 12.30
Location: Register in the North Transept
Details:
Diamonds are Forever
In this Diamond Jubilee year, this fun trail takes a look at anniversaries and their celebration, as well as precious stones and metals. After the trail children can enjoy a themed craft activity.
FREE
Family Discovery Mornings are suitable for ages 3 to 11. We recommend arriving before midday to ensure you can complete the activities. All children attending must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When: 7 Jun 2012
Time: 10.30 - 12.30
Location: Register in the North Transept
Details:
We're Going on a Journey
St Albans has been chosen as one of the world’s centres of Green Pilgrimage. On this fun family trail for half term, discover our credentials as the only Green Pilgrimage site in England and find out something about the other sites. After the trail children can enjoy a themed craft activity.
FREE
Family Discovery Mornings are suitable for ages 3 to 11. We recommend arriving before midday to ensure you can complete the activities. All children attending must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When: 2 Aug 2012
Time: 10.30 - 12.30
Location: Register in the North Transept
Details:
Beyond Borders
To celebrate London 2012 this fun, family trail focuses on the Olympic ideals of international friendship, respect and excellence. After the trail, children can design their very own medal!
FREE
Family Discovery Mornings are suitable for ages 3 to 11. We recommend arriving before midday to ensure you can complete the activities. All children attending must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When: 9 Aug 2012
Time: 10.30 - 12.30
Location: Register in the North Transept
Details:
Make Your Mark
Books have been made and used here for many hundreds of years. But have people used other ways of recording stories and events? Find out on this fun, family trail and enjoy a themed craft activity at the end of the trail.
FREE
Family Discovery Mornings are suitable for ages 3 to 11. We recommend arriving before midday to ensure you can complete the activities. All children attending must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When: 16 Aug 2012
Time: 10.30 - 12.30
Location: Register in the North Transept
Details:
As Holey as Swiss Cheese
Discover holes big or little, empty or full, all playing their part in the appearance of the Cathedral. This fun, family trail finishes with a themed craft activity.
FREE
Family Discovery Mornings are suitable for ages 3 to 11. We recommend arriving before midday to ensure you can complete the activities. All children attending must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When: 23 Aug 2012
Time: 10.30 - 12.30
Location: Register in the North Transept
Details:
Look at Me! I'm not Wearing That!
Take a look at some unlikely clothes and costume on figures around the Cathedral on this fun, family trail which finishes with a themed craft activity.
FREE
Family Discovery Mornings are suitable for ages 3 to 11. We recommend arriving before midday to ensure you can complete the activities. All children attending must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When: 30 Aug 2012
Time: 10.30 - 12.30
Location: Register in the North Transept
Details:
My Hero
This family trail coincides with the start of the Paralympics - the elite sport events for athletes with a disability, where inspirational people show courage and determination. Discover some famous role models in the Cathedral. The trail finishes with a themed craft activity.
FREE
Family Discovery Mornings are suitable for ages 3 to 11. We recommend arriving before midday to ensure you can complete the activities. All children attending must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When: 25 Oct 2012
Time: 10.30 - 15.00
Location: Throughout the Cathedral
Details:
Be a part of this national campaign and get creative at the Cathedral!
Budding artists, young and old, are invited to explore the Cathedral and create their very own masterpieces inspired by the theme of this year’s Big Draw
FREE. Suitable for all ages.