Joy at abbey as choral services set to return
Choral services are to resume at Bath Abbey after a six-month break. From Sunday, October 4, you can join the Abbey Choir either online or in person for Choral Evensong at Bath Abbey.
The new government guidance means the choir can resume the long tradition of choral services, with groups are smaller than usual.
During September the Abbey Choir is singing at the 10.15am Sunday Eucharist, and from October, there will be a Choral Evensong at 4.30pm every Sunday.
The choir is planning to record music for Remembrance, Advent and Christmas services.
At the moment only small choirs are permitted, so services will be restricted but they hope to have the full choir back singing together as soon as it is practical and safe.
Huw Williams, Bath Abbey’s director of music, said: “We are gradually opening the choirs, with rehearsals and services in smaller groups at present and it is wonderful to see the boys, girls and layclerks returning to working together.
“During the lockdown, we have been sharing videos online and have received many comments and messages of grateful thanks for the music. In turn, we would like to thank everyone for their lovely messages, patience and continued support of our choir.”
The Rev Canon Guy Bridgewater, Rector of Bath Abbey, said: “To begin welcoming back our choirs is truly to welcome back Joy, and a sense of God’s Glory filling the Abbey once again.
“Behind our facemasks, the rest of us may not be allowed to sing with our voices just yet, but we will certainly sing with our spirits – and with smiles unrestrained!”
People can register online to attend services. Tickets are free and will be available on the Monday preceding the day of the service.