THE new January – April 2020 events programme for Bradford Cathedral has been launched for all ages with themes of music, arts, faith, community, family and more.

Highlights of the first season of events include a Singing Day with Professor Paul Mealor; a candle lit concert with pianist Ben Comeau to mark Earth Hour; and a new series of weekly Wednesday organ recitals and monthly Tuesday Coffee Concerts, with baritone singer James Gaughan kicking things off on Tuesday, January 14.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 (January 27), which remembers 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, will be marked by an address by Lilian Black, chair of the trustees of the Holocaust Survivors’ Friendship Association and the Holocaust Exhibition and Learning Centre at Huddersfield University, whose late father, Eugene, was deported from his home in Hungary in1944 and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Other events between now and the end of April include free family activities with guided tours, quizzes and crafts; a Fairtrade Breakfast; and the next entry in the Flourishing City event series investigating what people in Bradford want from the city by 2040.

January – April 2020 will also see a special open mic event entitled ‘Serenity: Poetry, Song and Music’ at the end of January; a Eucharist for Candlemas; and a special exhibition for Lent.

Easter and Pentecost by artist Ali Thistlethwaite called ‘Encounters with Jesus’, one of many events as part of a busy Lent and Holy Week programme which will also include ‘Messy Easter’, a procession, and an Easter Vigil.

There will be a special service for Mothering Sunday in March; the Annual Legal Service in February; and the Civic Service in March. Bishop Nick Baines will deliver a special address in February; the next ‘Hope on the Edge’ event will explore how we care for the planet; and there’ll be a chance to mark the birthday of William Morris by discovering his works within the cathedral.

There are many regular events each week in the cathedral including ‘Places of Welcome’, ‘Just A Minute’ and the toddler group, as well as opportunities for carers to try their hands at crafts, a new project for the ‘Stitching@Bradford Cathedral’ group and further ‘Women of Faith Book Group’ meetings.

The popular Bradford Faith Trail returns on the first Saturday in March, taking you around a series of faith buildings on Leeds Road to learn more about the traditions and cultures from those who practise them. This monthly trail fills up quickly so people are advised to book early.

Bradford Cathedral is open daily for you to visit for services and prayer and to explore the history of the building, with booklets and sheets available to help you explore both the faith and historical sides of the cathedral.