Carlisle Cathedral will be celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III with services and activities throughout May.
The celebrations begin with a special exhibition showcasing treasures from Carlisle Cathedral’s library and archive, which will be on display from Thursday 4 May. The display will show historical items that tell the story of Carlisle’s royal associations through history. Many of the items have never been seen by the public, including the Cathedral’s endowment charter from Henry VIII, dating from 1541. The exhibition will be open throughout May during normal visiting times, with items on display in the Cathedral and Fratry Hall. The Treasury exhibition will also be open as usual.
On Saturday 6 May, the Cathedral Café and Fratry Hall will be open with a big screen in the Fratry livestreaming the Coronation. The Cathedral Café will be open between 9am and 5.30pm. To celebrate King Charles III, we are offering a 10% discount on hot drinks and cakes in the Cathedral Café for people with ‘Charlie’ names if they provide ID.
The Cathedral’s Bell Ringers will join the national “Ring for the King” with the Cathedral’s bells ringing between 10am and 11am. Coronation colouring activities will be available in the South Aisle.
Celebrations will continue on Sunday 7th May. The Choral Eucharist service will reflect on the King’s commitment to service for all in prayer, music and preaching. All are welcome to attend from 10.30am. Later that day, afternoon tea in the Fratry Hall will be available 1.30-3.30pm, accompanied by live piano music. Booking is required by clicking here
Coronation souvenirs are available now, whilst stocks last, in the Cathedral Gift Shop. Open 10am-3.30pm every day except Sunday.
The Rev’d Canon Dr Benjamin Carter, Canon Warden at Carlisle Cathedral says:
“The Coronation of His Majesty the King is, for many of us, as once in a life time opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for the place of the Royal family within our public life and to commit ourselves, as the King will in his Coronation oath, to lives of service to others. As part of the Church of England we will also honour the King as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England and so are delighted to be offering such a diverse programme of activity, events and worship through the period of the Coronation.”
Carlisle Cathedral will host the service of Choral Evensong giving thanks for the Coronation of King Charles III on Friday 12 May at 5.45pm. This service has been organised in conjunction with His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman. The Preacher will be the Rt Rev’d James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle who is Clerk to the Closet and head of the King’s Ecclesiastical Household. Guests representing the diverse life of Cumbria have been invited. The service will also include contributions from the leaders of other Christian denominations and faith communities from across Cumbria. There are a limited number of tickets available for members of the general public – please click here to purchase.
Mrs Claire Hensman, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria added: “It is so fitting that the Carlisle Cathedral, which serves the whole life and people of Cumbria, will host this service of thanksgiving. It is a wonderful opportunity to look forward to our new King’s reign and through it commit ourselves to the principles of service and inclusion which have always been such a mark of his life.”
Later in May, the Cathedral will be hosting the annual thanksgiving service for the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment on Sunday 14 May at 1pm. The Border Regimental Chapel in Carlisle Cathedral has the regimental colours dating back to 1745 on display.
We invite everyone to join us to celebrate this special moment in history.
