Hundreds of group visitors attend cathedral’s special Christmas concert

Welcomed by the Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, group organisers were treated to fine singing from the cathedral’s world class choir, directed by David Halls. 

There were plenty of opportunities to sing along to much-loved Christmas carols played on the famous Father Willis organ as well as special festive readings by staff and volunteers. 

Decorated for the season, Salisbury Cathedral has a giant 32-foot Norway Spruce Christmas tree which was sourced from Longleat Forest and will remain in place until Candlemas in February 2024. 

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The cathedral's 32ft Norway Spruce Christmas tree is from Longleat's sustainable forest.

Source: Finnbar Webster

The Dean of Salisbury welcomes visitors to the special Carol Concert for Groups on 12th December, 2023.

Source: Salisbury Cathedral

The choir with director of music David Halls.

Source: Salisbury Cathedral

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Recognition for a well-known group organiser

At the end of the carol service there was a special mention for one of the cathedral’s long-standing customers, Geoff Allen from Travallen Travel. Geoff is well known to the visitors team, so when he announced that he planned to retire at the end of this year they decided to give him a proper cathedral send off.

Hannah Paye, visitor experience and bookings manager said: “I have worked with Geoff for many years and I know we will feel his absence. He has been a loyal and friendly colleague – always a pleasure to deal with and full of enthusiasm for what we do. A perfect customer.”

Geoff said: “It has always given me personal pleasure to attend Salisbury Cathedral events, especially the Carol Concert for Groups each year. Our visitors thoroughly enjoyed the concert and it certainly was a memorable occasion for me, as I’m sure it will be for many others.”

Once the concert and farewell to Geoff were over, concertgoers enjoyed festive refreshments courtesy of the Refectory team and made the most of their exclusive access to the cathedral.  

A new feature of the 2023 event was some post-concert music played by the assistant director of music, John Challenger on the cathedral ‘s beautiful Blüthner piano.