Gloucester Cathedral invites visitors to celebrate the season of 'hope and new life' this Easter

Gloucester Cathedral is celebrating one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar with a host of Easter activities and services, where all are welcome.

By Chloe Gorman  |  Published
Holy Week and Easter at Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire, UK.
Gloucester Cathedral offers a warm welcome to one and all this Holy Week and Easter 2026.

Inviting visitors to celebrate the season of 'hope and new life', Gloucester Cathedral is marking one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar with a host of events this March and April 2026.

What's on at Gloucester Cathedral this Easter 2026?

Gloucester Cathedral's Holy Week and Easter services start with Palm Sunday Eucharist on Sunday 29 March, with Puzzle the Donkey leading a procession from St Mary de Lode church up to Gloucester Cathedral. 

Throughout Holy Week, there are evening lectures from guest preacher, the Venerable Dr Rachel Mann; as well as special services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. 

Also on Good Friday at 7pm, the cathedral choir are accompanied by acclaimed instrument ensemble, La Serenissima, for a performance of Bach's St John Passion, depicting Jesus's final hours in music – with funds from ticket sales going towards the cathedral's In Tune Music & Organ fundraiser.

For families, The Secret Easter Garden Trail takes place from Saturday 14 March until Sunday 12 April, where little ones can find the flowers hidden around the cathedral to create their very own spring garden design; with free drop in activities from 11am to 3pm on Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 April.

And brand-new for spring 2026, visitors can embark on a guided tour of the cathedral's famous Cloister, walking in the footsteps of the monks who once called it home and seeing important conservation work in action. 

How much are Gloucester Cathedral's Easter activities?

Easter services and drop-in activities are free.

Tickets for Bach's St John Passion cost £10 each. 

New Cloister tours cost £6 for adults and £3 for children under 16.

How to book Easter events at Gloucester Cathedral

Admission to Gloucester Cathedral is free and doesn't require pre-booking. 

To book concert tickets and guided tours, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk/whats-on/holy-week-and-easter-2026.

Event

Holy Week and Easter 2026 at Gloucester Cathedral

Venue

Dates

Saturday 14 March to Sunday 12 April 2026

Times

Gloucester Cathedral's general visiting hours are 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday; 10am to 4pm Saturday; 12pm to 2.30pm and 4pm to 5pm Sunday

Admission

Entry to Gloucester Cathedral is free, with donations gratefully received

Telephone

01452 528095

In partnership with Gloucester Cathedral  |  gloucestercathedral.org.uk

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