Jubilee celebrations at Nottingham Cathedral

Bishop Patrick McKinney welcomes the crowds

Source: Diocese of Nottingham

The Bank Holiday weekend kicked off at Nottingham Cathedral with a spectacular musical celebration of Her Majesty the Queen's extraordinary reign. The sell-out event, seen over 500 attendees gather at the Cathedral, including a number of civic dignitaries and ecumenical guests from across the City and County. Sir John Peace, the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire and Her Majesty's representative in the County was also in attendance. It was a joy to see the Cathedral so full and it certainly added to the conviviality of the celebrations.

Opening with a stunning performance of Handel's 'Zadok the Priest' the combined choirs, organist and orchestra set the tone and standard for the evening. Mozart's Coronation Mass followed and then a number of pieces from Byrd, Elgar and Parry filled the second half of the evening. The folk song set piece by Nottingham Cathedral's Girls and Boys Choir was especially enjoyed by those in attendance.

The evening was blessed with fine weather, enabling those attending to enjoy a glass of fizz in the beautiful Cathedral gardens during the interval. A collection was taken during the interval for Emmanuel House, a local homeless charity with strong connections to the Catholic community here in Nottingham, and over £1000 was raised.

Bishop Patrick McKinney was delighted to welcome the large crowds, a significant number of whom had never visited the Cathedral before. He framed the concert 'as a way of expressing our admiration for Queen Elizabeth in this her Platinum Jubilee year.' On Twitter the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Wendy Smith, thanked the Cathedral for this 'magnificent ecumenical concert' and added that 'the delightful children's choir made a perfect evening.' Nottingham's High Sheriff, Paul Southby, also commented on a 'lovely musical celebration' and showcased 'a fine example of bunting handmade by local schoolchildren' on his Twitter account. Those attending commented on how uplifting the concert had been and how it had really put the Cathedral on the map.

A special thanks to Mr Gregory Treloar Director of Music, Nottingham Cathedral Choir and the Girls and Boys Choirs, Derby Cathedral Lay Clerks, Mr Alexander Binns Organist and The Helix Ensemble. And a big thank you to those who sponsored the evening which would not have been possible without this support: The Friends of Nottingham Cathedral, DJ Hall Funeral Directors, AW Lymn's Funeral Directors, The Knights of St Columba and the parishes of St Joseph's Leicester, Holy Spirt West Bridgford and The Good Shepherd, Woodthorpe.

Read more about the Diocese of Nottingham: www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/