BRADFORD Cathedral has launched its programme of events and services for 2021, starting on Saturday, November 27 with its family-focused ‘Messy Advent’ event.

Other services and events, taking place through until Christmas Day, include the return of some annual favourites such as the ‘Advent Procession’, ‘Nine Lessons and Carols’ and the Christmas Eve Carol Concert.

The ‘Christingle’ service and the Christmas Eve ‘Messy Crib’ event will also return this year.

Joining the line-up this year will be ‘Traditional Music and Readings for Christmas by the Cathedral Choir’ on Saturday, December 11. This event will include congregational carols and sing-a-long music, and is a celebration of Christmas for all the family.

Alongside these in the calendar will be other events in collaboration with organisations and partners across the city and wider area, including a BBC Radio Leeds Carol Service; the NHS Carol Service; the Bradford Rotary Clubs Carol Service; and the City Carol Service, as well as a pre-recorded ‘Lights To Remember’ service from Marie Curie, which will feature readings and music pieces recorded at the Cathedral. There are also many other events and services to attend.

Bradford Cathedral will also be supporting the Church of England’s theme for Advent and Christmas 2021, which is 'At the heart of Christmas’. Churches and Cathedrals all over the country will be welcoming their communities – onsite and online – to celebrate and share the good news of Christ’s birth.

Places at these services and events are limited, so those looking to attend are encouraged to visit the Bradford Cathedral website to book their tickets, or to contact the Cathedral Office on 01274 777720 between 10am and 3pm Monday – Friday.

Alongside these services and events, the Cathedral’s famous ‘Star in the Tower’ will be lit at the start of Advent on Sunday, November 28, and visitors to the Cathedral will be able to enjoy Christmas trees, the crib, and more, with a QR code trail available to bring the Cathedral’s history to life.

Those following the Cathedral’s social media will also be able to enjoy regular video updates – including the return of the daily #BradventCalendar – and discover where the Cathedral’s mini-choristers have been exploring in the city with regular updates from their travels. There’s also a popular guide to creating your very own Christingle, ahead of that event in December, available on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel.

The ‘Nine Lessons and Carols’ service – alongside services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - will also be streamed online for those wishing to join in from wherever they are.

To find out more about Bradford Cathedral’s Advent and Christmas programme, go to bradfordcathedral.org/advent