COUNTDOWN TO CATHEDRAL REVEALED
Wakefield Cathedral is poised to open its doors after a five-year makeover and has announced a festival of events to celebrate all that it does with headline act Yorkshire-born Clare Teal, winner of British Jazz singer 2015.
The Dean of Wakefield, the Very Revd Jonathan Greener, said: “From top to bottom, east to west; this is one of the most dramatic refurbishment of any Cathedral in this country for a long time.
“We have renewed the interior, the crypt and even under the stairs, and it’s fabulous.
“We will be opening our doors to reveal our Cathedral in all its glory with a festival of events to say thank you to all those who helped us achieve this and to celebrate all that we are and all that we do.
“We invite you to come and see for yourself!” he added.
The £6.5m programme has concentrated on renewing this Grade 1 listed building for mission and for use by the whole community.
Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, it began in 2012 with the removal of the pews followed by the complete refurbishment and overhaul of the nave. The second phase of the redevelopment, Project 2015, has seen the East End shine again, with clean walls, new lighting and electrics, a level floor, a renewed St Mark’s Chapel and the creation of a quiet area for those who want to simply sit or light a candle. The crypt – the engine room of the Cathedral – and the Chapter House have also been renewed.
The renewed Cathedral will be rededicated in a special service led by the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines on May 14 and on that same day, the Dean and Chapter will launch a festival of events called This is Wakefield Cathedral: See for Yourself to showcase all that it is and all that it does.
Alongside daily worship, BBC Radio 2’s Clare Teal will headline on June 3 and other events include Bethlehem dancers, Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, Come and Sing Choral Classics, HM Queen’s 90th birthday celebration and weekly Tuesday lunchtime concerts and political debate.
Find out more and how you can buy tickets at http://www.wakefieldcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/this-is-wakefield-cathedral
Free tours of the renewed cathedral will take place everyday from Mon May 9 to Fri May 13. Anyone can join. Meet at 12 noon in the Cathedral.