Liverpool Cathedral welcomes choirs from all over the country and abroad to provide the music while the Cathedral Choir is on holiday.

Visiting choirs play a valuable and important part in the life of the Cathedral, enabling our choral tradition to continue unabated throughout the course of the year. 

When do visiting choirs sing services?

  • The first Sunday of half-term (February, May & October).
  • The Sunday after Christmas.
  • During the Easter holiday.
  • During the summer vacation.

Which services do visiting choirs sing?

  • During half-terms, only the Sunday is available.
  • During the Summer vacation, you are welcome to choose from the following options:​
    • A long weekend (Thursday or Friday to Sunday)
    • Saturday & Sunday
    • Sunday.

What will the schedule be?

Depending on the number of days you wish to sing, the schedule of rehearsals and services will consist of all, or a selection of the following:

Thursday

  • Rehearsal: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
  • Evensong: 5:30pm - 6:00pm

Friday

  • Rehearsal: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
  • Evensong: 5:30pm - 6:00pm

Saturday

  • Rehearsal: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
  • Evensong: 3:00pm - 3:45pm

Sunday

  • Rehearsal: 9:00am - 10:00am
  • Eucharist: 10:30am - 11:45am
     
  • Rehearsal: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
  • Evensong: 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Accompanist

When the Cathedral Choir is away, weekday and Saturday Evensongs are held in the Cathedral's Lady Chapel, for which your own organist is very welcome to play. The services on Sunday are held in the main Cathedral for which one of the Cathedral's duty organists will be available to accompany you.

The Chapter has set this rule because there is no available rehearsal time for visiting organists to get to know the Cathedral organ. The Cathedral cannot provide an accompanist for weekday services outside of term-time.

It is important for visiting choirs to be aware of this policy before making a booking. Some choirs are disappointed that their organist is not permitted to play the Cathedral organ for services, and withdraw at a late stage which is inconvenient for everyone involved. 

Will we have access to rehearsal rooms?

Yes. You will be able to use the Eastern Undercroft and Courtyard for during your visit, including the Song Room and robing areas. 

Facilities include:

  • Song Room (main rehearsal room with piano and stalls).
  • Adult toilets.
  • Toilets for those under 18.
  • East end courtyard (secure outdoor area).

Accommodation

You are free to find your own accommodation as the Cathedral does not have any provision on site.

How to apply

Click here for details of how to apply to bring your choir to perform at Liverpool Cathedral.