Weekly Notices | 4 January 2026

A Reflection by David Price

A happy new year to all!

We were pleased to welcome thousands through our doors for the Christmas Carol Services and Christmas Day. But Christmas is not just for Christmas! The festive season continues all the way through to Monday 2 February and the Feast of Candlemas. As part of our journey to that moment, please join us for The Epiphany Eucharist on Tuesday next week as we mark the journey of the Magi that first Christmas and then for our Epiphany Carol Service on Sunday 18 January both at 5:45pm.

Looking ahead to March, we are delighted to host our third Early Music Festival.

Between March 5 and 15 we shall be joined by The Gabrieli Consort and Baroque Alchemy, as well as our own cathedral musicians in concert including Britten’s Noyes Fludde and Handel’s Messiah on Saturday 15th March.

More details at festivalofearlymusic.com

In the meantime, please join us for worship this Sunday for our usual morning services, though in the evening we shall hear Nativitas - a sequence of Christmas poetry read by Canon Ian Woodward paired with reflective music by composer, Philip Moore and played by David Price.

David Price,
Organist & Master of the Choristers

Dates for your diary…

Epiphany Eucharist – Tuesday, 6 January at 5:45pm
Motown by Candlelight – Friday, 9 January at 7:30pm
Eucharist - Baptism of Christ followed by the Blessing of the Sea – Sunday, 11
Matthew and the Atlas + Ian Jamieson – Saturday, 17 January at 7:30pm
Epiphany Carols – Sunday, 18 January at 5:45pm

Community News

Burns Night Ceilidh

Back by popular demand after selling out in both 2024 and 2025, our Burns Night Ceilidh returns to Portsmouth Cathedral for a joyful evening of Scottish music, dance and celebration.

Enjoy live traditional music and energetic ceilidh dancing led by the wonderful Woodsiders Band, with friendly callers guiding you through the steps – no experience needed. All tickets include a warming Scottish-inspired broth and a delicious dessert, with snacks and a full bar available throughout the evening.

Open to all ages, this is a lively and welcoming event for families, friends and first-time dancers alike. Join us as we celebrate the life and spirit of Robert Burns in the unique and atmospheric setting of the Cathedral.

Advance booking is essential. You can book here.

Choir Christmas Album

‘For even more Christmas fanfare and ceremony, The Band of the Royal Marines Collingwood sound fabulous with Portsmouth Cathedral's choristers on The First Nowell, especially in Once in Royal David's city. A spectacular opening to a very atmospheric album’ GRAMOPHONE

‘Like the fabled long-awaited bus, two albums book-ended by tremendous fanfares for brass and organ, launching choir and congregation into the Service and sending them out glowing, have appeared at once. Both establishments give generously for Advent and Christmas, but let's begin with the lesser known, one that proudly presents four seasonal choral services annually, the Choir of Portsmouth Cathedral. The First Nowell (Signum Records SIGCD943) carries the listener from the Advent Prose to Rutter's All bells in Paradise with affectionate interpretations, immediacy, and, above all, an engaging. youthful sound. Lesser-known gems such as June Clark's Let us light in a candle and Nativitas: Reflection 8: O magnum mysterium by Philip Moore for solo organ, impress among the 'usual suspects!’ CHOIR AND ORGAN

Available from the Cathedral Shop or on all major streaming platforms.

Word is Near update

The Word is Near is taking a break over Christmas and will return on Wednesday 7 January at the usual time of 10:30am. In the new year we will meet in the Corner Meeting Room in Cathedral House. If you are new and not sure where to go, please ask at the Cathedral Welcome Desk.

Worship & Visiting

Every day, Portsmouth Cathedral is open for worship, prayer, and visiting. Unless otherwise specified, services do not require booking. Our website contains orders of service, as well as information about visiting the Cathedral.