Holy Week and Easter at Bristol Cathedral

About

From moments of profound reflection to the vibrant joy of Easter, join Bristol Cathedral as they retell God’s story of love, sacrifice, and salvation. Experience atmospheric services, meaningful talks from guest speakers, and beautiful music from the Cathedral Choir.

Palm Sunday – Sunday, 13 April
Eucharist and Procession of Palms – 10:00 am
A procession around College Green, led by a donkey, commemorates Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The service continues inside the Cathedral with a dramatised reading of the Passion Gospel and the Eucharist.

Witnesses on the Way to the Cross – 3:30 pm
A creative service of poetry, reflection, and music invites participants to see Jesus through the eyes of those who knew him.

Compline – 14, 15 & 16 April at 6:00 pm
A peaceful and contemplative service marking the close of the day, Compline offers a time of stillness and reflection. Led by The Revd Canon Neil Patterson, these services feature addresses inspired by the works of Rachel Mann, complemented by carefully chosen music.

Maundy Thursday – 17 April

Liturgy of the Last Supper – 7:30 pm, followed by the Watch until midnight
This Choral Eucharist recalls Christ’s final night with his disciples and his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The service includes the symbolic rituals of foot washing and the stripping of the altars.

Good Friday – 18 April
Meditations at the Cross – 12:00 pm
Liturgy of the Lord’s Death – 1:30 pm
From noon until 3:00 pm, a time of reflection marks the hours of Christ’s crucifixion. Bishop Paul Mayes explores the theme of Wood Work, tracing the role of wood in Christ’s journey from manger to cross. The service includes addresses, music, and moments of silence for prayer. Attendees may stay for all or part of the devotion.

Meditations for Good Friday at The Lord Mayor’s Chapel – 11:00 am
A short and simple service of music and intercessions reflects on the crucifixion of Christ, sung by The Lord Mayor’s Chapel Choir.

Easter Eve – Saturday, 19 April
Liturgy of the Lord’s Resurrection – 8:00 pm
The Easter Vigil begins with the lighting of the Easter fire, followed by baptisms, confirmations, and the first Eucharist of Easter in celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.

Easter Day – Sunday, 20 April
Festival Eucharist – 10:00 am
A Festival Eucharist celebrating the Resurrection of Christ is sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Festal Evensong and Procession – 3:30 pm
Holy Week and Easter conclude with a joyful Festal Evensong, sung by the Great Choir, comprising the Cathedral and Consort Choirs.