SALISBURY CATHEDRAL'S POPULAR PROCESSION 'FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT' IS UNMISSABLE START OF ADVENT

Salisbury Cathedral’s popular Advent Procession ‘From Darkness to Light’, regarded by so many as the unmissable start to the Christmas season, takes place this year on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November at 7.00pm. It begins with the Cathedral in total darkness and silence as the single Advent Candle is lit. By the end the whole interior of the magnificent building is bathed in the light of 1300 flickering candles.

Two large and colourful processions move around the building during the service which tells the story of Christ’s coming through music and readings from the Old and New Testament.

For Director of Music, David Halls, the service is one of the highlights of the year. “The music, sung by the cathedral choir, is in perfect keeping with the feeling of expectation that underpins Advent. We also have a plainsong choir of girls’ voices singing from the West End gallery. This is all in contrast to the great Advent hymns sung by a capacity congregation of over seventeen hundred on both evenings, and sounding truly magnificent accompanied by the mighty Father Willis organ. There is a great feeling of momentum as the service reaches its climax.” The cathedral choir is conducted by David Halls and Richard Cook, the cathedral’s organ scholar; the organist is Daniel Cook, Assistant Director of Music.

Doors open at 6.00pm and entry into the Cathedral is via the Consistory Court (the main visitor entrance). Those who wish to arrive early will be able to queue under cover in the Cloisters where seasonal refreshments are available. No tickets are required but there can be no admission once all seats are taken. Parking in The Close is only available for Disabled Badge holders.