One of the most important dates in the Christian calendar, Easter takes place on Sunday 20 April 2025 — and Gloucester Cathedral is inviting everyone to its packed programme of Easter activities taking place around this special celebration.
Families can get involved in the Egg-cellent Easter Trail throughout April, with clues to crack as they take in every corner of the spectacular building — plus on Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 April, there's the chance to experience a Medieval Easter in the Chapter House, with egg painting, drawing illuminated letters, ancient games and even a dress-up monastic procession to take part in, too.
There's a reenactment of Jesus's final days, from his trial to his crucifixion, with an immersive street performance of The Way of the Cross taking place in the cathedral's grounds at 11am on Friday 18 April, where audiences are invited to walk with Jesus on his final journey.
Also on Good Friday, the Gloucester Cathedral choir performs the powerful 'St John Passion' by Bach, accompanied by the Musical and Amiable Society Orchestra, at 7pm — with the cathedral providing the ideal acoustics for this haunting choral masterpiece to resonate.
Worshippers will find a variety of services taking place during Holy Week from Sunday 13 to Sunday 20 April 2025, from a family-friendly service on Palm Sunday where Puzzle the Donkey leads a procession around the grounds; a reflective service on Maundy Thursday; a candlelit liturgy on Holy Saturday; to Eucharist and Evensong on Easter Sunday, with guest preacher The Reverend Chris Smaling leading services throughout.
Family Easter activities and church services at Gloucester Cathedral are free to attend and don't require pre-booking, with people of all faiths and of none welcome to take part.
Tickets for Bach's St John Passion cost £10 each and can be booked online in advance at gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
