Worcester Cathedral viewed through trees from across the River Severn on a sunny day

The Top 5 Worcester Cathedral Events Happening This Year

Located in the heart of the city, Worcester Cathedral is one of the highlights of the West Midlands. With an ancient history dating back thousands of years, intricate architecture, and a deep spiritual significance, the cathedral is a cultural hub of its own. 

Each year, the Cathedral hosts a dynamic calendar of events, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of its most exciting years yet. Whether you’re a local resident looking for upcoming events or you’re a visitor planning a trip to the city, here’s your guide to the top Worcester Cathedral events of 2025.

adam-joView of Worcester Cathedral towering above the city’s rooftops, framed by trees on a summer daynes-gKOAyHyxT2Q-unsplash

1. Worcester Concert Commemorating VE Day - 3rd May

Kick off a week of VEDay80 celebrations in unforgettable style with a stirring evening of music and nostalgia in the majestic Nave of the Cathedral. Be swept up by the powerful sounds of the Band of the Mercian Regiment, joined by the soaring voices of the Choir, The Oakville Singers, and the Cathedral Organist. 

Raise your voice in a heartwarming community sing-along of beloved WWII classics, as the City and County come together to honour this historic milestone.

Tickets are £20.00 per person.

Worcester bridge and riverside lit up at night with reflections on the River Severn and cathedral in the background

2. West End Musicals by Candlelight – 23rd May

If you’ve been waiting for a performance that brings together your favourite musicals, Worcester Cathedral is set to host just the event. On 23rd May, the cathedral will be transformed into a theatrical setting, bringing a unique atmosphere for its West End Musicals by Candlelight. 

The concert will feature many iconic songs, some of which are the best-known worldwide. You can expect hits from Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, The Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, Wicked, and many more, brought to you in Worcester by a live cast of talented West End singers and an accompanying band. 

Whether you're a lifelong musical theatre fan or simply someone who loves a stirring power ballad, this candlelit concert in the Cathedral promises an unforgettable experience. With its stunning acoustics and atmospheric setting, it’s the perfect way to spend a spring evening in the city.

Tickets are expected to sell fast at £22.38, so early booking is recommended to secure your spot.

Ornate vaulted ceiling inside Worcester Cathedral with stone arches and gothic detailing

3. Elgar Festival Concerts – 28th May 2025 and 31st May

Sir Edward Elgar, one of Worcestershire’s most iconic sons, is set to be celebrated at the Elgar for Everyone concert in May. As part of the larger Elgar Festival, the cathedral will be hosting two separate concerts. 

The Elgar for Everyone concert on 28th May will bring together more than 100 young musicians from local schools to join forces with the acclaimed English Symphony Orchestra for an uplifting evening of music starting from 7.15 pm. Tickets for the Elgar for Everyone performance start from £15.00 and are quickly selling out, so be sure not to miss out. 

The second concert, ESO Gala, offers a powerful expression of humanistic issues, drawing upon the historical backdrop of the two World Wars.

It opens with These Things Shall Be by Irish composer John Ireland, a moving piece written between the wars that reflects hope for a better future, faith in human progress, and a desire for peace. This is followed by Ian Venables’ song cycle, which explores love, identity, and connection through poetry from the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

The concert will close with Elgar’s Second Symphony,  one of his most emotional and personal works. Written during a time of change, it captures the spirit of a man and a society, on the edge of a new and uncertain era.

Tickets for the Gala performance are also on sale at £15.00 per adult. 

Winchester Cathedral with its tall gothic towers and stained glass windows on a sunny day

4. Peregrine Drop-In Viewing Sessions – Various Dates through Spring to Summer

For families, Worcester Cathedral is hosting one of the UK’s best urban wildlife events with its drop-in viewing sessions for nesting peregrine falcons. Taking place from spring to summer, these relaxed and family-friendly sessions will showcase the amazing birds of prey in action. 

With binoculars at the ready and the knowledge of cathedral volunteers, you’ll be able to witness the birds eat, hunt, and even rear their young. The cathedral with its historical settings is the perfect backdrop for such an event, and whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or fancy something different, these sessions will surely deliver. 

Drop-in sessions are free, so no need to book. Simply turn up on the day to be treated to a wonderful wild spectacle. 

Worcester Racecourse on a misty morning with cathedral spires in the distance and trees casting long shadows

5. The Music of Adele: Live in Concert – 20th September

This September, the Cathedral is hosting an evening of Adele’s beautiful anthems. The Music of Adele: Live in Concert is coming to Worcester Cathedral and promises to be a powerful tribute to one of the UK’s most celebrated artists. The dramatic backdrop of the Cathedral space, lit by candlelight, is sure to bring about an amplified ambience.
Expect all the hits, such as Hello, Someone Like You, When We Were Young, and Rolling in the Deep, all delivered by a cast of talented live vocalists and musicians. 

Tickets are now on sale at £20.05 per person, and with limited availability, booking ahead is strongly advised.

Wood Norton Exterior #1

Plan Your Stay at The Wood Norton

Make the most of your visit to Worcester Cathedral by staying at The Wood Norton, a luxurious countryside retreat just a short drive from the city. Whether you're here for a candlelit concert, a wildlife viewing session, or simply to soak up the city's rich history, our hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and convenience.

After a day exploring, relax in a stylish room, enjoy a drink in our cosy bar, or treat yourself to dinner in our award-winning restaurant. With seasonal offers and short-break packages available, The Wood Norton is your ideal base for a cultural escape in 2025.