The oldest Choral Festival in the world, the Clergy Support Trust Festival, returns to St Paul’s Cathedral for a 367th time this May. Following a two-year hiatus, this service is once again open to everyone and will bring together three of the UK’s finest cathedral choirs.

What can I expect? 

The choirs of Southwark Cathedral, Liverpool Cathedral and St Paul’s Cathedral will perform as part of a Special Service highlighting the work of clergy and the help provided by the charity Clergy Support Trust.

The Festival was originally set up in 1655 by a group of City merchants and clergymen’s sons as a fundraising event for destitute clergy and their families. The charity, now called Clergy Support Trust, was born at that service and nearly four centuries later is still supporting thousands of people in the UK and abroad each year.

The service will begin with a procession of the Choirs, Ministers, Masters of City Livery companies, Stewards of the Festival and other dignitaries. It will include choral performances from each of the choirs, culminating in a joint anthem. The sermon will be delivered by the Dean of St. Paul’s, The Very Reverend Dr David Ison, and with people supported by the Trust leading the prayers.