Pilgrimage of Song for Abbey 1000 Celebrations

People are being encouraged to join a Pilgrimage of Song as part of the Abbey 1000 celebrations in Bury St Edmunds this spring.

The event runs from 9.30am to 9pm on Saturday, May 14, and involves a seven-mile walking route along the old Abbot’s Way, from Chevington to St Edmundsbury Cathedral, singing a short service at churches along the way. 

The day will start with a workshop at which attendees will learn the music repertoire for the day. There will be a variety of music styles, with a mix of unison singing and some four-part harmony – some easy, some a little more challenging, but certainly something for everyone.

The walk to the Cathedral then begins, with the group calling at churches and singing a short service in each.

Once arrived at the Cathedral, the group will join “Abiding Wisdom”, also happening on May 14.

This event brings Benedictines from across the UK and on arrival the Pilgrimage of Song group will join for a final service, a meal together, and a live Zoom talk on Benedictine Wisdom, with Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury.

Richard Hubbard, St Edmundsbury and Ipswich music development director, said: “Pilgrimages of Song make a wonderful day out – you can enjoy fresh air, exercise and great conversations along the way, as well as engaging with God through music in Suffolk’s beautiful local churches.”

Those who can’t walk the whole route may make other arrangements for travel between churches. There is a requested donation of £15 per person (under 18s free). The meal is an optional extra priced at £17.60.

This is a joint event between the Cathedral and Cantus Firmus Trust. Advance booking is essential at www.cantusfirmus.org.uk – booking closes at 9am on Friday, May 6. 

The Pilgrimage of Song is part of the Abbey 1000 series of events to mark the millennium of the founding of the Abbey of St Edmund. Abbey 1000 celebrations are being coordinated by the Abbey 1000 Group (which includes St Edmundsbury Cathedral), alongside the Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership.