Weekly Notices | Sunday, 25 January 2026

The Festival of Early Music returns from 5–14 March at Portsmouth Cathedral.

A reflection from David Price

I am delighted to announce that from 5–14 March 2026, the Festival of Early Music returns to Portsmouth Cathedral with a clear and confident message: early music is for everyone. This year’s festival is our most ambitious yet – ten days of intimate performances, large-scale collaborations, talks, services and opportunities to explore music that shaped our culture.

One of the joys of early music is how well it suits our building. Whether heard in the stillness of the chancel or filling the Italianate nave, these works were written for spaces like ours. You’ll hear everything from the simplest chant lines to the richly coloured sound worlds of Vivaldi, Purcell and Handel – music that continues to influence composers today.

The festival celebrates both the close-up and the spectacular. Our own Choral Scholars open proceedings after Evensong on Thursday 5 March with a varied programme in the St Thomas Chapel. The following evening, the Gabrieli Consort return to perform Vivaldi’s Gloria alongside 150 young singers from across the region – part of their remarkable ROAR project, which brings world-class music-making to children and young people.

Throughout the festival, we’re widening the experience of early music to as many people as possible. From our new Small Sounds choir for babies and toddlers, to relaxed opportunities for those who prefer not to sit through a full-length concert, we want everyone to feel able to take part. Alongside international performers, we’ll also welcome brilliant local musicians and school groups who bring this music to life in new and imaginative ways.

You can read more about the delights of the ten days below – and I hope you’ll join us, whether you’re discovering this repertoire for the first time or already love it. Early music belongs to all of us, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

David Price
Organist and Master of the Choristers

Dates for your diary…

Burns Night Ceilidh (SOLD OUT) – Saturday, 24 January at 7:00pm

Small Sounds – Tuesday, 27 January at 10:00am
#PompeyTots – Wednesday, 28 January at 2:00pm
Lunchtime Live: Sachin Gunga (organ) – Thursday, 29 January at 1:10pm
Baptism and Confirmation Service – Saturday, 31 January at 5:45pm
Candlemas Carol Service – Sunday, 1 February at 5:45pm
Candlemas Eucharist – Monday, 2 February at 5:45pm

Community News

Early Music is for Everyone: Festival Returns to Portsmouth Cathedral

This spring, from 5 to 14 March 2026, the Festival of Early Music returns to Portsmouth Cathedral with a clear and confident message: early music is for everyone. The festival invites people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the colour, emotion and relevance of music from centuries past in a programme designed to be welcoming, accessible and full of life.

At the heart of this year’s festival is a renewed commitment to opening doors. Whether you are discovering live music through our Small Sounds sessions for babies and toddlers, exploring new sounds as a student, or returning to concerts later in life, the Festival of Early Music offers a warm invitation to take part.

Across nine days, musicians, ensembles and community partners come together to show that early music belongs far beyond traditional concert halls. Performances will take place in the Cathedral and reach into its wider life, weaving through worship, education and community activity, creating moments of connection where history meets the present day.

Read more and book online →

Burns Night Ceilidh – This Saturday, 24 January

Our much loved Burns Night Ceilidh returns this weekend—and tickets have now completely sold out. If you’d like to be notified of any returns, you can join the waitlist on our booking page. The brilliant Woodsiders Band will lead us through a joyful night of traditional Scottish music and ceilidh dancing. Their experienced callers will guide you through each dance, so everyone can join in—no experience needed.

Join the waitlist online via our booking page →

Confirmation at Easter

The next Confirmation service for candidates from the Cathedral will be on Easter Eve at the Easter Vigil on Saturday 4 April, in the Cathedral. If you are interested in being confirmed (and or baptised), please do speak to Canons Harriet or Jo to find out more or use the form below to enquire. There will be a short period of preparation during Lent.

Enquire online →

Curate to join the Cathedral on placement

We are pleased to have another curate from the Diocese with us on placement at the Cathedral for the next fortnight. The Revd Dr Tom Cooper is curate at Petersfield and Buriton, with much of his ministry focusing on the congregation at St Mary's Buriton. He is also an Open University Lecturer, so we are delighted that he has accepted our invitation to preach on Sunday at Evensong at the start of his placement time here. Over the next fortnight he will take part in our daily pattern of worship, help lead services, join in with visits and events and other opportunities to experience and contribute to Cathedral ministry. He is a trained musician as well, with a background as a classical pianist, so he is looking forward to being involved in our music and choral tradition here.

Coat of Hopes and Congregational Tea - Sunday 8 February

On Sunday 8 February, Portsmouth Cathedral will be hosting the Coat of Hopes - a precious patchwork garment which is on a long term pilgrimage through the UK, and has been made by, worn and walked by more than 2000 people, for a distance of over 2000 miles so far, carrying their hopes in the face of climate and ecological breakdown. The Coat is currently travelling along the South coast and will be coming from Chichester Cathedral and St Faith's Church, Havant, stopping off at Portsmouth before going on to the Isle of Wight.

Do join us for a Congregational Tea, during which the Coat bearers will be pleased to talk about the Coat, to sing the "Coat Song" and to allow people to try it on!

If you would like to come to the tea, please let us know by completing the form online.

Cathedral Shop now open 7 days a week!

Our Cathedral Shop is now open seven days a week, and we’d love you to pop in for a browse. From Cathedral themed gifts and elegant jewellery to beautiful greeting cards, and not forgetting The Dean’s Tipple, our own locally distilled, zesty gin – there’s something for everyone!

This extended opening is only possible thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers, who give their time with such dedication and warmth. Maybe you could spare a few hours to join them? We’re looking for friendly volunteers to help keep the shop running smoothly.

Read more →

Help with Sunday refreshments

We would be grateful for a few more pairs of hands to help prepare and serve sherry, coffee, tea, and light refreshments after the 11am Eucharist. This small act of hospitality makes a real difference to our shared life together, offering a warm welcome to worshipping community.

If you are able to volunteer your time, please get in touch via our volunteer page →

Vacancies at the Cathedral

We are currently recruiting a Shop Manager, an Assistant Verger and Precinct Officer and an Administration and Lettings Coordinator.

You can learn more about these opportunities, including how to apply on our careers page.

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.

Services this Sunday

8:00am – Holy Communion
9:30am – #PompeySundays
11:00am – Eucharist
5:45pm – Choral Evensong

Prayers & Intercessions

We remember those for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Trevor, Peter, Phil, Wynne, Tara, Lyra, Terry, Ken, Helen, Nigel, Jill, Colin, Alan, Martin, Steve, Tom, Jason, Richard, Abbie, Matthew, Hazel, Mark, Paul, Pauline, Jennifer, Lotti, Lily, Ken and Jean.

We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including:  Susan, Karen, Carole, Davina, Saphie, Ralph, Marion, Jill, Suzy, Chris, Graeme, Alistair, Philip, Mathai, Beatrice and Mike.

We remember those who have died recently, including:
Martin Phillips (Cathedral memorial service 2pm Monday 2 February), Christine Richardson, Karen Benson and Lara Kynvin RIP.

Upcoming Services & Events

Burns Night Ceilidh (SOLD OUT) – Saturday, 24 January at 7:00pm
Back by popular demand, after selling out in 2024 and 2025 - join us for a spectacular evening of Scottish revelry at the historic Portsmouth Cathedral.

Small Sounds – Tuesday, 27 January at 10:00am
Come and make Small Sounds with us! Join us on Tuesday mornings from 10am-11am during term time for joyful music sessions for babies and children aged 0-5 and their parents or carers.

#PompeyTots – Wednesday, 28 January at 2:00pm
Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to help little ones ask big questions? Look no further than #PompeyTots, a weekly service at Portsmouth Cathedral specifically designed for babies and pre-schoolers and their adults.

Lunchtime Live: Sachin Gunga (organ) – Thursday, 29 January at 1:10pm
For today's lunchtime recital, Cathedral Sub-Organist Sachin Gunga gives a programme of music for Epiphany and Candlemas on our wonderful Nicholson organ.

Baptism and Confirmation Service – Saturday, 31 January at 5:45pm

Candlemas Carol Service – Sunday, 1 February at 5:45pm
The conclusion of our seasonal Carol Services, spanning Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Candlemas.

Candlemas Eucharist – Monday, 2 February at 5:45pm
A celebration of the feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, closing our Christmas and Epiphany worship, helping us to turn towards Lent & Easter.

Small Sounds – Tuesday, 3 February at 10:00am
Join us on Tuesday mornings from 10am-11am during term time for joyful music sessions for babies and children aged 0-5 and their parents or carers.

#PompeyTots – Wednesday, 4 February at 2:00pm
Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to help little ones ask big questions? Look no further than #PompeyTots, a weekly service at Portsmouth Cathedral specifically designed for babies and pre-schoolers and their adults.

Lunchtime Live: Portsmouth Cathedral Scholars – Thursday, 5 February at 1:10pm
In a change to the original listing, today's recital will be given by this year's gap-year choral scholars and organ scholar of Portsmouth Cathedral. This recital will be in St Thomas's Chapel.

Yoga at the Cathedral – Saturday, 7 February at 10:30am
Take some time to unwind and move gently in the calm, beautiful space of the Cathedral. These sessions start with simple breathwork before moving into a flowing Hatha Vinyasa class suitable for all abilities.

Congregational Lunch – Sunday, 8 February at 4:00pm
Join us for tea on Sunday 8 February preceding evensong at 5:45pm and celebrating the arrival of the Coat of Hopes.

Small Sounds – Tuesday, 10 February at 10:00am
Come and make Small Sounds with us! Join us on Tuesday mornings from 10am-11am during term time for joyful music sessions for babies and children aged 0-5 and their parents or carers.

#PompeyTots – Wednesday, 11 February at 2:00pm
Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to help little ones ask big questions? Look no further than #PompeyTots, a weekly service at Portsmouth Cathedral specifically designed for babies and pre-schoolers and their adults.

Lunchtime Live: Musicians from PGS – Thursday, 12 February at 1:10pm
Today's lunchtime recital is given by a group of talented music students from The Portsmouth Grammar School, accompanied by Karen Kingsley. This recital will be in St Thomas's Chapel.

Small Sounds – Tuesday, 17 February at 10:00am
Join us on Tuesday mornings from 10am-11am during term time for joyful music sessions for babies and children aged 0-5 and their parents or carers.

The Music of Bruce Springsteen Candlelight Concert – Saturday, 21 February at 7:30pm
Get ready for a night that brings the spirit, sound and stories of The Boss to life like never before.

Small Sounds – Tuesday, 24 February at 10:00am
Come and make Small Sounds with us! Join us on Tuesday mornings from 10am-11am during term time for joyful music sessions for babies and children aged 0-5 and their parents or carers.

#PompeyTots – Wednesday, 25 February at 2:00pm
Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to help little ones ask big questions? Look no further than #PompeyTots, a weekly service at Portsmouth Cathedral specifically designed for babies and pre-schoolers and their adults.