CELEBRATING 2012!

A host of one-off activities are planned in Salisbury to mark this ‘once in a lifetime’ year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and we are delighted that Salisbury Cathedral is taking a major role hosting special services and events.

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Wiltshire’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration event takes place in the Cathedral and surrounding Close on Tuesday 1 May. Wiltshire Council are planning a large medieval celebration event at which its 18 area boards are occupying jousting tents to showcase the history and attractions of their towns, villages and communities. Other bodies, including voluntary organisations, will also have tents. There will be medieval-themed music and entertainment, activities for children in the Cathedral and a military display. Wiltshire Council very much hopes that a senior member of the royal family will be able to attend.

On Friday 1 June at 6.00pm the Cathedral holds the Wiltshire Celebration Service to mark the Jubilee. The service will include performances of two anthems - Sally Beamish's In The Stillness and Francis Jackson's Te lucis ante terminum - from the ‘Choirbook for the Queen’, a special collection of contemporary anthems published for the Jubilee. Salisbury Cathedral is grateful to Madeleine, Lady Bessborough, for presenting a set of the Choirbook to our cathedral choir.

From Friday 1 June – Sunday 10 June the cathedral’s Education Department is running Jubilee Holiday Activities for the school half-term break. Anytime between 1-10 June, follow the Jubilee trail ‘Crowns and Coronets’ and hunt for different crowns around the Cathedral before collecting your own crown sticker from the shop on completion of the trail. On Thursday 7 June there’s going to be ‘A Right Royal Time’ at drop-in arts and crafts workshops with a choice of easy crafts with a royal theme. Visit the Cathedral any time between 10.30am – 12.00 noon and 1.30pm – 3.00pm to join in. £3.00 per session and suitable for children 5-12 years (must be accompanied by adult).

And there’s a free Jubilee story time on Thursday 7 June. Meet wonderful storyteller Sarah Rickett at the spire crossing between 12.15pm - 12.30pm for some true, and some not quite so true, stories about Kings and Queens!

The Olympic Torch and London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics

Just two weeks later sculptor Ben Dearnley brings his ‘Avenue of Champions’ to Salisbury Cathedral for three months from 23 June - 16 September to coincide with the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics ( 27 July – 9 September). These sculptures focus on the ‘power zones’ of up to fifteen of some of the UK’s past and current Olympic and Paralympic champions and are sculpted in the timeless materials of bronze and marble. They will be placed in the cathedral’s cloisters where visitors will be able to walk through the ‘Avenue’.

The Olympic Torch visits Wiltshire twice during its journey around the UK before the games begin in London, arriving in Salisbury early evening on Wednesday 11 July to a major celebration party arranged by Wiltshire Council which will have been taking place all day at Hudson’s Field. We are delighted that LOCOG have chosen Salisbury Cathedral as the iconic location for its official departure on Thursday 12 July and we hope that many will join us here to see it on its way.

The Education Department will run Olympic and Paralympic inspired summer fun activities for children during the summer holidays. There are four different exciting activities to enjoy with Junior Craft: London 2012 weekday drop-in sessions, Sporting story time, First Seekers: Going for Gold activity mornings and a special Olympic-themed trail.

IMPORTANT DATES
DIAMOND JUBILEE
Wiltshire’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Salisbury Cathedral Close
Tuesday 1 May – all day

Her Majesty the Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Diamond Jubilee Tour
The royal party visit Sherborne, Crewkerne, Yeovil, Salisbury and Exeter 1-2 May

Wiltshire Celebration Service to mark the Jubilee, Salisbury Cathedral
Friday 1 June, 6.00pm

Half-term Jubilee themed activities for children

‘Crowns and Coronets’ Jubilee trail
Friday 1 – Sunday 10 June
‘A Right Royal Time’ art and craft workshops for children
Thursday 7 June, 10.30am – 12.00noon and 1.30pm – 3.00pm
Kings and Queens – Jubilee story time
Thursday 7 June, 12.15pm – 12.30pm

2012 OLYMPICS AND PARALYMPICS

Ben Dearnley Exhibition ‘Avenue of Champions’ at Salisbury Cathedral
Saturday 23 June – Sunday 16 September (9.00am – 5.00pm Mon-Sat, 12.00 – 4.00pm Sun)

Olympic Torch visits Salisbury
Wednesday 11 July - All day celebration event arranged by Wiltshire Council at Hudson's Field with the Olympic Torch arriving early evening.
Thursday 12 July – Olympic Torch departs from Salisbury Cathedral early morning.

Olympic and Paralympic themed summer activities for children

Junior Craft: London 2012
Monday 30 July - Friday 3 August, Monday 6 – Friday 10 August. 10.30am – 12noon and 1.30pm-3.00pm.
Sporting story time!
Monday 30 July - Friday 3 August, Monday 6 – Friday 10 August. 12.15pm – 12.30pm
First Seekers: Going for Gold Activity Mornings
Monday 20 August 20 – Friday 24 August, 10.30am – 12.15pm.
Special Olympic-themed trail: On the Podium
Friday 27 July- Sunday 9 September.

To book any of the special Education Department activities, please telephone 01722 555180 or email: education@salcath.co.uk

Check the cathedral website for further information on all these events as it becomes available.