Bradford Cathedral has announced a series of special events and services to celebrate Advent and Christmas.

Starting with Advent on December 3, the festive season will get underway with the switching on of the cathedral’s star in the tower.

Through its glowing light, it is hoped more people will find their way to the cathedral - a hidden treasure in the heart of the city.

The Cathedral will also be decorated with a Christmas tree in the West End, lit up by candles during many of the services, and there will also be two cribs within the State Gate and the Holy Spirit Chapel.

The Very Revd Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford, said: “I want to extend you a warm welcome to our Advent and Christmas services and events during the coming weeks.

“Throughout the Advent season there’ll be all sorts of exciting opportunities for you to come and not just engage in worship but explore the Cathedral and join in some of our many events. There’ll be carol services, there’ll be mince pies and mulled wine; all sorts of ways that we want to generously welcome you into your Cathedral.”

Alongside the regular services, there is the Advent Procession on December 3, Nine Lessons and Carols on December 17, the Midnight Eucharist on Christmas eve, and the Christmas Day Eucharist.

The services will also be streamed online.

For families, there is the return of the popular Messy Crib service on Christmas Eve.

‘An International Christmas’ will feature music and readings from Ukrainian, Nigerian, Congolese, Indian and Sudanese communities based in and around the Bradford district on December 23.

The ‘Black Dyke Band and Bradford Cathedral Choir Christmas Concert - in collaboration with the Royal Opera House - is taking place on December 9 and 10.

The popular annual Lunchtime Carol Concert is taking place on Saturday, December 23.

The organ recital season also concludes with a Christmas Spectacular on December 13 and a Christmas Meditation a week later.

There are also lots of services and events coming up in conjunction with partners - including ‘Bradford Stitch & Glitch – Pipe Up’ with the Women’s Sound Network; Bradford District & Craven Health & Care Partnership’s Christmas Carol Service and The City Carol Service.

There are also many other events, such as the annual festive-themed Monday Fellowship gathering, and the Choir will be singing at the Bradford Royal Infirmary and The Corn Dolly during the season of Advent.

Full details of all these events can be found on the Bradford Cathedral website and across the Cathedral’s social media. 

You can also pick up a flyer from sites including the Cathedral, Visit Bradford, The Broadway Bradford, City Hall, Bradford Libraries.