The 371st Festival will be on Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Tickets will be available to book from Monday 2 February.
Our Festival, one of the oldest choral music events in the world, is unique and extraordinary. In 2026, it celebrates 371 years, running continuously since 1655 with only two breaks; during the pandemic (2020) and the London Blitz (1940).
The Service is a key date in the Church, City of London and choral music calendars, and over the years composers including Edward Elgar have written music especially for the event. It includes a majestic procession of Bishops, Masters of Livery Companies, representatives of the City of London, Stewards of the Festival and other dignitaries.
The Service at St Paul's Cathedral (5pm) celebrates the ministry of the clergy households we serve. Tickets are free.
The Dinner at Plaisterers' Hall (7pm) is a networking and fundraising event, to support our vital work. Tickets are £150.
Things to know
- Doors will open at 4pm. Please be seated by 4.45pm.
- The main entrance is through the West Doors.
- The accessible entrance is at the North Doors.
- If you have accessibility needs, please contact us after you have booked and we will ensure you are seated somewhere suitable and easy to access.
- The service will last approximately an hour.
- The service is free, but ticketed, and you will need to book a ticket to join us.
- Photography is not permitted within the Cathedral.
- Security bag-checking will be in operation. Personal items must be kept with you at all times. There is no cloakroom facility.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make sure I sit next to my friends?
Seating for General Tickets - that's the Nave, North Transept and South Transept in the map above - are unreserved. This means that even if you and your friends have booked tickets separately, you can sit anywhere you like.
Seating under the Dome is reserved for people taking part in the Service, such as the opening procession, or very special guests.
If you are a member of senior clergy, such as a Bishop or Archdeacon, or you are taking part in the Service, like a Livery Master or one of our Stewards, please do not book your tickets yet. We will send you information by email on how to book your special Dome Tickets, and how to renew your Stewardship, in the weeks ahead.
How do I cancel my tickets?
In previous years, you've had to email us to cancel your ticket.
Now that we are using Eventbrite, you can cancel your ticket using the option in the Confirmation Email you will have originally received when you first booked.
How do I renew my Stewardship?
If you are a Steward of the Festival, who joins our procession, has your name included in the Order of Service and sits beneath the Dome, we will be in touch by email or letter in February 2026, with instructions on how to book your tickets and renew your Stewardship.
Your support is very gratefully appreciated. Please be patient, as we are a small team running a big event.
How do Stewards book their tickets?
If you are a Steward of the Festival, who joins our procession, has your name included in the Order of Service and sits beneath the Dome, we will be in touch by email or letter in February 2026, with instructions on how to book your tickets and renew your Stewardship.
Your support is very gratefully appreciated. Please be patient, as we are a small team running a big event.
How do senior clergy book their tickets?
If you are a member of senior clergy, including but not limited to one of the roles listed below, we will be in touch with you by email in February 2026, asking how many tickets you require.
- Bishop
- Archdeacon
- Cathedral Deans
- Directors of Ministry
- The Principals of Theological Colleges (TEIs)
If you have not heard from us by March 2026, please do email us at festival@clergysupport.org.uk
How do Livery members book their tickets?
Livery Masters and their Consorts are able to access special seating beneath the Dome. We will be in touch with you shortly, either directly or through your Clerk, with instructions on how to book these special tickets.
If you have not heard from us by March 2026, please do email us at festival@clergysupport.org.uk
All other Livery Members, including Clerks, Members, Chaplains and Past Masters, can book their General Tickets through the link on this web page, once tickets are available to book from Monday 2 February.
I am a Livery Master. Where do I robe?
Livery Masters are invited to robe and process as part of the opening procession.
You will be able to robe in The Chapel of St. Michael and St. George, to the right as you enter St Paul's Cathedral from the main entrance, at the West Doors. If you or your Clerk arrive early, you are welcome to drop off your robes in the Chapel. Please arrive at least half an hour before the Service begins in order to robe and be placed in the right order for the procession.
We will email you closer to the time with more information.
Who can I talk to about my accessibility needs?
If you have accessibility needs, please contact us after you have booked and we will ensure you are seated somewhere suitable and easy to access. You can email us at festival@clergysupport.org.uk
What's the difference between the Service and the Dinner?
The Service at St Paul's Cathedral (5pm) celebrates the ministry of the clergy households we serve. It will include performances from the Cathedral Choirs of Blackburn, St Albans and St Paul's, as well as a sermon from a guest preacher, who we are excited to announce in the coming weeks. Tickets are free.
The Dinner at Plaisterers' Hall (7pm) is a networking and fundraising event to support our vital work. It is a two-course meal with a glass of wine, during which guests will find out more about the vital work of the charity, and will be encouraged to donate. Tickets are £150.
My child is one of the choristers. Where should I sit?
If your child is part of the Cathedral Choir of Blackburn, St Albans or St Paul's, please book a General Ticket using the link on this page, once tickets are available to book from Monday 2 February.
In previous years, the family and friends of choristers had specific seating in the transepts. However, some guests preferred to sit in the Nave, so they had a clearer view. By allowing the family and friends of choristers to book General Tickets, they have the freedom to sit wherever they like when the big day comes.