With Advent here and Christmas fast approaching, Salisbury Cathedral reopens today, Thursday, December 4. Everyone has been working behind the scenes during lockdown to get The Close and the building ready.

After Evensong on Sunday, November 29, the lights in The Close were switched on, to start Advent, and the 32ft Christmas tree at the West End is waiting to welcome visitors and worshippers. The Nativity banner over the Spire crossing, spreading the message of Christ coming into the world, and the flower arrangers have prepared a special trail exploring the symbols and stories of Christmas.

There will be carol-singing, including the Cathedral choristers, during visiting hours and services in the Cathedral live-streamed to ensure everyone can worship wherever they are.

The Nativity

The magnificent Renaissance style Nativity, created by Jacquiline Creswell and Ash Mills, which was first exhibited last year, is also in place. Printed onto enormous voile panels around 10ft (3m) wide by over 35ft (10.5m) long, the photographic tableaus hang nearly 50ft (14m) above the ground in the Spire Crossing, at the heart of the Cathedral.

The Nativity is built from a series of individual and group portraits of members of the Cathedral community, including baby Freddie Halliday (now a year old), son of former England rugby player Simon Halliday and grandson of the choir’s counter tenor, Steve Abbott.

The story of the Nativity is one which, for centuries, has been brought to life with the traditional staging of a nativity scene. This installation combines past and present effortlessly, and embodies a sense of warmth, hope, and community in difficult times.

The Christmas Trail

Michael Bowyer, the Cathedral’s Director of Flowers, and thirty of his regular flower arrangers are preparing a special Christmas trail that includes the Cathedral’s towering Christmas Tree. The twelve-stop trail will explore the Christmas story using seasonal foliage and linking to festive activities and customs, including a selfie frame that visitors can use to create pictures to share on social media or to put onto their Christmas cards, spreading the message of comfort and joy with friend and family.

Carols in the Cathedral

Throughout December there will also be Carols in the Cathedral during visiting hours, sung by a number of choirs including some of Salisbury Cathedral School’s choirs, Salisbury Cathedral Youth Choir, Kate Edgar’s community choirs, and the Cathedral Choristers. Visitors will be able to enjoy the festive sounds as they make their way around the Cathedral during their visit. Details can be found on the Cathedral website.

Late Night Opening

To add to the seasonal fun, on 10 December from 18.30 – 20.30 (last entry 20.00) there is an Open Evening, with music, mulled wine and mince pies. Christmas Canines are welcome to join us, sporting their festive outfits. The Cathedral loves to host dogs of any size or shape with their owners, just so long as they behave and clear up after themselves!

Visiting on the Open Evening is free to all, but booking is essential in order to manage capacity and stay within Covid 19 regulations.

Refectory and Cathedral Shop

The Refectory and Cathedral shop will be open from tomorrow, Thursday 3rd December. Whether it’s Christmas presents, decorations, or festive refreshments that you fancy, it’s all on hand with welcoming staff ready to help you.

Family activities

Special trails will be available online and offline for family visitors. A Children’s Art Tour booklet is available to youngsters visiting the Celebrating 800 Years of Spirit and Endeavour exhibition with their families, and if they wish to continue their art exploration afterwards, a child-friendly Virtual Art tour is available online.

Finally, a reminder to all Salisbury residents living in SP1, SP2, and Laverstock area. Don’t forget to collect your Resident’s Pass at the Welcome desk, giving you free access to the Cathedral for a year. Details can be found on the Cathedral website. Anyone planning to collect a pass must bring photo ID with proof of address, such as a driving licence.