Friday 29 November, 10am - see York Minster's Advent Wreath raised National Schools Singing Programme raises the Wreath at York Minster

As doors up and down the country are being decorated with Advent wreaths of holly and ivy to the sounds of Michael Bublé or Carols from Kings, York Minster's talented Flower Arrangers are preparing to do much the same, but both the wreath and the backing track need to be a little bigger to fill the Minster’s cavernous central crossing.

Fortunately, the expert team will be joined by children from the Minster’s Schools Singing Programme to raise the spectacular 3-metre wide Advent Wreath during a special event on 29 November at 11.30am. 

School children from across York will be directed by Emilie Bels, the Minster’s Schools Singing Lead as they sing a range of seasonal music from Minka, a Ukrainian folk tune with words adapted for November and Advent, to Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, an ancient hymn. 

The Reverend Canon Timothy Goode will introduce the children to the symbolism of the wreath and its five one-metre-tall candles: one for each Sunday of Advent and a central candle, representing Christ as the light of the world, which will be lit at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

At 10am on Saturday 30 November, the following day, Canon Tim will be leading the light switch-on of over 70 Christmas trees in the Minster, each decorated by local charities, schools and businesses. After the 45-minute event, families are welcome to stay and explore the cathedral free of charge.

Canon Tim said:  “We are really excited to welcome school children and families to two special services as we mark the beginning of Advent at York Minster. This is a season when the cathedral can be busy, but we hope there’ll be a chance for us all to find a calm and bright moment in the Minster. You are all most welcome.” 

Entrance to York Minster is free for those attending all acts of worship or to pray. Find out more at yorkminster.org.