In 672 a visionary bishop named Wilfrid built a glorious church on this site – the crypt of which still remains – and each year we celebrate him and the blessings we still enjoy.

This autumn the cathedral hosts a celestial celebration of St Wilfrid with Twilight in the Nave – great food and live music in the splendour of the cathedral. The event on Friday October 10, kindly sponsored by Rathbones, will raise vital funds for the cathedral’s mission to serve the people and communities of North Yorkshire and the Diocese of Leeds, including worship, music, heritage conservation and an education programme. Tickets are available here.

On Saturday October 11 – join us as we welcome back former members of our choir, from across the country for a rousing Patronal Evensong at 5.30pm. The ranks of the cathedral choir swell to 100 choristers, choral scholars, lay clerks (adult singers) and alumni.

The following morning, Sunday October 12, we celebrate the life and mission of the cathedral today in a special Patronal Eucharist, a service of Holy Communion with great ceremonies and music dedicated to St Wilfrid – including a hymn specially adapted for Ripon, again with a 100-strong choir. There’ll be celebratory cake and fizz after the service and all are welcome.

This magnificent sacred ceremony will include the Lord’s Prayer spoken in Anglo-Saxon, the vernacular in the time of Wilfrid, by Prof Joyce Hill who will also be delivering two free lectures, offering fascinating insights into Wilfrid’s world. Wilfrid’s Patrons and Sponsors on Thursday, September 25 and The Saints Whom Wilfrid Knew on October 2 are sponsored by The Friends of Ripon Cathedral, held in the cathedral at 7.30pm and are bookable by emailing Canon Matthew.

Dean John said: “We never underestimate the continued positive impact of St. Wilfrid’s bold leadership in the 7^th century. Over our patronal weekend, we celebrate the considerable blessings still received today in cathedral, city, diocese and region, not least the encouragement to share the life-giving good news of Christ in ways that transform and enhance people and communities today. Everyone is very welcome to join us for one or all of our celebrations.”

Alongside these special services, music and lectures, we also shine a light on those making a difference in Ripon today through St Wilfrid’s Stars – awards which celebrate the people and groups helping our city to thrive.