Enjoy everything from 80s anthems by candelight, exciting outdoor theatre, to a showstopping organ gala concert at Gloucester Cathedral this autumn 2026.
SoGlos rounds up the highlights from its programme of unexpected experiences...
Ready-Set-Sing family trail at Gloucester Cathedral
Join new Cathedral Choir chorister, Clara, as she prepares for her first performance!
Full of interactive challenges, follow this fun, family trail around the cathedral and have a go at warming up your voice like a real chorister, trying on authentic choir robes, and learning all about the amazing instruments at Gloucester Cathedral.
The Ready-Set-Sing family trail is open during the cathedral's standard visiting hours until Sunday 1 November 2025. Trail sheets are available from the Welcome Desk for £1.50.
80s Anthems by Candlelight at Gloucester Cathedral
From power ballads to pop classics, 80s Anthems by Candlelight brings the biggest hits of the decade to Gloucester Cathedral for one night only.
Get ready to 'Turn Back Time' with a cast of incredible singers and a live band bringing the songs of A-Ha, Bon Jovi, Erasure, Fleetwood Mac, George Michael, Journey, Madonna, Queen, and more to life in this stunning setting.
There are two shows on Friday 4 September 2026 at 7pm and 9pm. Tickets cost £14.50 each and are available to book at gloucestercathedral.org.uk/unexpected-experiences-await.
Gloucester Cathedral Organ Festival gala concert
The culmination of Gloucester Cathedral's first-ever Organ Festival, the gala concert featuring the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by the cathedral's own director of music Adrian Partington, takes place on Saturday 12 September 2026 at 7pm.
The programme features music from Gigout, Jongen and Saint-Saëns and provides a fitting showcase for the cathedral's historic and recently-refurbished organ.
Tickets cost £20 and can be booked at gloucestercathedral.org.uk/unexpected-experiences-await.
The Pirates of Penzance outdoor theatre at Gloucester Cathedral
On Friday 18 September 2026, Illyria Theatre bring Gilbert and Sullivan's beloved The Pirates of Penzance to Gloucester Cathedral's grounds for a unique outdoor theatre experience.
Performed by a talented six-piece cast of singers and actors, audiences will be treated to songs including 'Modern Major General', 'To be a Pirate King!' and 'A Policeman's Lot is Not a Happy One' along with a wonderfully witty storyline which still feels fresh today.
Pack a picnic, or for a special treat, Gloucester Cathedral will also be serving up ploughman's and cream tea boxes to enjoy during the show, along with a pop-up bar serving wine, soft drinks and its own CathedrALE.
Doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 7pm. Tickets cost £22 for adults and £10 for children and can be booked at gloucestercathedral.org.uk/unexpected-experiences-await.
