The 370th Clergy Support Trust Festival Service took place at St Paul’s Cathedral on Tuesday 13 May 2025, and welcomed over 1,500 guests.
It's the longest-running choral music celebration of its kind - having first taken place in 1655 - and to the best of our knowledge, the Festival Service has only been missed on two occasions: when we took the Service online during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during the 1940 London Blitz.
As well as an act of worship, the Service brings together cathedral choirs who would not normally get the chance to sing together. This year, we welcomed guest choirs from Bradford and Lichfield Cathedrals, as well as the return of St Paul's Cathedral Choir, who have graciously leant us their time and performed for the Service over many centuries.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this historic ocassion, including the Bishops, Livery Masters and Stewards who took part in the procession; The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford for giving the sermon; and The Revd Albert Danquah, The Revd Donna McDowall, The Revd Jon Tearne and The Revd Paul Towns for reading prayers as our intercessors.
We'd also like to extend a special thank you to The Revd Michael Edwards, a curate and applicant to the Trust, for sharing his heartfelt testimony on the impact of our support on his family.
"As our washing machine spins, as my laptop boots up, as our car engine doesn’t misfire, as our son walks into pre-school - we are reminded that the Trust has been there for us."
"I can focus much more on serving others in my community through their own joys and challenges, and fully embracing my calling, because I know that the next time an unexpected bill appears, the Trust is ready to support us through it."
The Revd Michael Edwards
The combined choirs, performing at the West Doors
The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani gave the sermon
The Revd Michael Edwards, an applicant to the Trust
Our processing Stewards of the Festival
Become a Steward
Stewards play a key historic role in the Festival Service, and have done so for hundreds of years. A longstanding tradition, Stewards process through St Paul's Cathedral, carrying ceremonial sticks - or 'wands' - alongside Bishops, the Masters of Livery Companies and representatives of the City of London.
"Since the seventies, it's very rare that I ever miss the Festival. It's part of my heritage. It's part of my DNA. It's always an event of great interest and excitement and reunion. And of course, the most wonderful choral music, my greatest joy."
For an annual donation of £75, our Stewards:
- Access brilliant priority seating
- Join the ceremonial procession
- Have their support celebrated in our Order of Service
- Are invited to high profile events, such as receptions with our Chief Executive
- Support our work with thousands of Anglican clergy and their families
Bradford Cathedral Choir
Lichfield Cathedral Choir
The combined choirs, performing beneath the Dome
The 370th Festival Dinner
In the evening, we welcomed over 200 guests to Plaisterers' Hall for the Trust's annual charity dinner.
We were treated to good company and good food, with a delicious two-course meal of coq au vin, seared seabream or bean ragout, with a dessert of apple and berry crumble or a fruit platter.
Speeches were made by our Chair (Senior Treasurer), Richard Farmbrough and our Chief Executive, The Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls - while our Honorary President, The Archbishop of York, The Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell highlighted the Church of England's recognition of the growing need facing their people.
Toasts were also given by friends of the charity, including our Honorary Vice President, Baroness Hale of Richmond.
We would like to express our grateful thanks to our primary sponsor for our 370th Festival Dinner, CCLA Investment Management.
