We look forward to welcoming The Most Revd Sarah Mullally - the Archbishop of Canterbury, and one of the Trust's Honorary Presidents - to our 2026 Festival Service, and to hearing her sermon on this historic occasion.
Our Festival, one of the oldest choral music events in the world, is unique and extraordinary. This year, 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, Stewards of the Festival and other dignitaries.
We also look forward to welcoming the visiting choirs of Blackburn Cathedral and St Albans Cathedral, who will perform together alongside the St Paul's Cathedral Choir, who have lent us their time and talent every year for almost four centuries.
The Festival Service will take place on Tuesday 12 May, 5pm at St Paul's Cathedral. Tickets are free, and will be available to book from Monday 2 February.
Book your tickets
Archbishop Sarah also gave the sermon at our 364th Festival Service, back in 2018. She explored the significance of Deuteronomy 31:14-29 and 1 John 3:1-10.
Read her previous sermon
"Clergy Support Trust continues to receive more grant applications from clergy and their families in need than ever before. Our Festival is an opportunity to bring friends and supporters, old and new, together under one roof to celebrate what we've achieved in the past year, and to reflect on how far we have yet to go."
"As an Honorary President of Clergy Support Trust, and as chair of the Triennium Funding Working Group which led to a much-needed increase in the clergy stipend, Archbishop Sarah understands well the challenges facing many clergy serving in all parts of the Church."
"I look forward to her sermon, and it will be wonderful to welcome her to St Paul's Cathedral in May."
The Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls
Chief Executive, Clergy Support Trust