Please find below details of key events coming up over the next year. From craft fairs to concerts, we host a range of events to suit everyone.
For full details of events happening over the coming weeks, please see our Events page.
We regularly host Concerts by Candlelight, featuring music from your favourite bands and artists.
Coming up in 2026 and early 2027 are:
Full details of all upcoming By Candlelight Concerts at Wakefield Cathedral can be found here
Saturday 31st October
19:00 Concert
Join the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir at Wakefield Cathedral for an evening of choral music, featuring two powerful and moving works: John Rutter’s Requiem and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem.
Bringing together beautiful melodies, rich harmonies and moments of profound reflection, this concert explores themes of remembrance, peace, hope and consolation.
Rutter’s Requiem is one of the most cherished works in contemporary choral music, combining traditional Latin texts with English scripture to create a deeply expressive and uplifting composition.
Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace) is a powerful plea for peace, written against the backdrop of growing international tensions in the 1930s. Its dramatic contrasts and poignant texts remain as relevant today as when the work was first performed.
Under the direction of Thom Meredith, the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir will be joined by the Amici Orchestra, accompanist Alex Woodrow, and soloists Louise Wayman (soprano) and Ieuan Jones (baritone).
Set within the magnificent surroundings of Wakefield Cathedral, this promises to be a memorable evening of outstanding choral music.
More information and tickets available hereSaturday 21st November
18:30, doors open 18:00
Join us for a joyful and uplifting evening as Rock Choir returns to Wakefield Cathedral for a very special concert filled with music, celebration and community spirit.
Led by Rock Choir Leader Ainjiel Clark, this performance will bring together around 150 singers from across West Yorkshire, filling the cathedral with rich harmonies, infectious energy and a wonderful sense of togetherness. The programme will feature a vibrant mix of contemporary pop and rock favourites, alongside some much-loved Christmas songs, making it a perfect way to begin the festive season.
Rock Choir is known for its inclusive, feel-good approach to singing, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. Their performances are uplifting, heartfelt and full of joy, creating an atmosphere that is as moving as it is memorable.
All ticket proceeds will go towards supporting the life and mission of Wakefield Cathedral, helping to care for this beautiful and historic building and to sustain its work at the heart of the city and wider community.
An evening of music, warmth and shared experience in one of Wakefield’s most iconic spaces – everyone is welcome.
Tickets available hereMonday 23rd November
Performance 1: 18:00, doors open 17:15
Performance 2: 20:30, doors open 19:45
The Christmas Orchestra returns for 2026 following a run of sold-out performances across the UK – and this year, the tour makes a special stop at Wakefield Cathedral.
Step into the magic of the festive season and enjoy an unforgettable evening of live music in a stunning setting. Performed by a 16-piece chamber orchestra and enhanced with full sound production and atmospheric lighting, this uplifting concert blends beloved Christmas classics with iconic music from your favourite films.
Expect a nostalgic and joyful programme featuring music from:
Home Alone, Elf, The Holiday, Love Actually, The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, Harry Potter, Die Hard 2, and White Christmas.
Whether you’re starting your festive celebrations or looking for a special night out, The Christmas Orchestra promises a magical and energising experience for all.
Important Information
Wakefield Cathedral is hosting this event. All ticketing, event details, and performance enquiries should be directed to the event organisers, The Christmas Orchestra.
All trademarks and referenced works remain the property of their respective owners. This event is not affiliated with the films or composers listed. Tickets are subject to the organisers’ terms and conditions.
Tickets available hereFriday 4th December
19:30 concert, doors open 18:45
Get the festive season off to a spectacular start as Horbury Victoria Brass Band, Horbury Victoria Youth Band and Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band fill Wakefield Cathedral with the magnificent sound of brass this Christmas.
Fresh from the stage of Leeds Playhouse’s production of Brassed Off, these acclaimed bands join us for a very special evening of music in the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral.
Expect a wonderfully festive programme, the unmistakable sound of a live brass band and plenty of Christmas spirit – the perfect way to begin your celebrations with family and friends.
Join us for a brilliant evening of music and start your Christmas at Wakefield Cathedral.
Tickets available here
Saturday 5th December
19:00 concert, doors open 18:00
Join the award-winning Rothwell Temperance Band for a wonderful evening of Christmas music in the beautiful surroundings of Wakefield Cathedral.
Organised by EyUp! NHS Charity, this special concert brings together the rich, powerf
ul sound of one of Yorkshire’s celebrated brass bands with the magnificent setting of the Cathedral.
Enjoy an evening of seasonal favourites while supporting an important local cause. The concert will raise vital funds for EyUp! NHS Charity, helping to support community services, mental health, wellbeing and learning disability services.
Guests can also enjoy a mince pie and a warming mulled wine, hot chocolate or soft drink, included as part of the evening.
Whether you’re attending with family, friends or simply enjoy the sound of brass band music, this promises to be a memorable evening in the heart of Wakefield.
Tickets available hereFriday 11th December
19:30 concert
We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Yorkshire Imps to Wakefield Cathedral this Christmas as they celebrate their remarkable 90th anniversary year.
Founded in 1936 as the Yorkshire Copper Works Band, the ensemble grew from the industrial community of Stourton into one of the region’s most celebrated brass bands. Known widely during its championship years as Yorkshire Imperial Metals – and affectionately as the ‘Yorkshire Imps’ – the band has built a legacy of musical excellence and proud Yorkshire heritage.
This special anniversary concert promises to be a truly uplifting festive occasion, filling the Cathedral with the rich, powerful sound of one of Yorkshire’s finest brass bands. Expect a sparkling programme of Christmas favourites alongside music that reflects the band’s long and distinguished history.
The organisation also includes the Yorkshire Imperial Veterans Band, keeping alive the spirit and camaraderie of generations past, and adding to the deep sense of tradition behind this milestone year.
Join us in the stunning setting of Wakefield Cathedral for an evening full of warmth, celebration, and festive joy. Whether you’re a brass band enthusiast or simply looking to embrace the magic of Christmas, this is a concert not to be missed.
Come and be part of this very special celebration – book your tickets now and experience the sound of Christmas with the Yorkshire Imps!
Tickets available here
Saturday 12th December
19:00 concert
Join us at Wakefield Cathedral for a beautiful evening of Christmas music, featuring Bob Chilcott’s On Christmas Night, alongside a selection of traditional carols and contemporary seasonal favourites.
At the heart of the programme is Chilcott’s On Christmas Night, a wonderfully expressive work that brings together familiar carol melodies and Christmas texts in a fresh and imaginative setting. Combining moments of quiet reflection with joyful celebration, the work captures the beauty and wonder of the Christmas story.
The evening will also feature a varied selection of traditional and new Christmas music, offering something for everyone to enjoy in the magnificent surroundings of Wakefield Cathedral.
Whether you’re a regular concertgoer or simply looking to enjoy an evening of beautiful choral music, this promises to be a memorable occasion as we approach Christmas.
Tickets available hereFriday 18th and Tuesday 22nd December
19:00, doors open 18:25
Celebrate the Christmas season with one of Wakefield Cathedral’s most cherished festive traditions. Carols by Candlelight offers an unforgettable evening of music, reflection and celebration in the beautiful surroundings of our candlelit cathedral.
Enjoy a wonderful programme of traditional carols and seasonal music performed by the acclaimed Wakefield Cathedral Choir, as the Cathedral is illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight, creating a truly magical Christmas atmosphere.
Your Ticket Includes:
This event is extremely popular and sells out every year. We recommend booking early to secure your place.
Please note: A valid ticket is required for entry.
For more information or to book tickets, click the links below:
18th December
22nd December
We look forward to welcoming you to Wakefield Cathedral for a memorable evening of beautiful music, festive hospitality and the timeless tradition of Carols by Candlelight.
Monday 21st December
19:30, doors open at 18:45
Join us at Wakefield Cathedral for a magical evening of festive music as acclaimed folk duo GreenMatthews present Gaudete!, a heartwarming celebration of Christmas through the ages.
Following more than a decade of successful Christmas touring, Chris Green and Sophie Matthews return with an expanded line-up, joined by Emily Baines (early woodwinds) and Richard Heacock (violin). Together they create a rich and evocative sound that captures the spirit of Christmas past. Their programme spans over 600 years of music, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, blending traditional Christmas carols, winter folk songs, lively dance tunes and an array of fascinating historic instruments.
Expect an enchanting journey through the festive season, filled with beautiful melodies, storytelling, humour and musical craftsmanship. Whether you’re a lover of folk music, history, or simply looking to embrace the joy of Christmas, Gaudete! promises an unforgettable evening in the stunning surroundings of Wakefield Cathedral.
Tickets available hereBe the first to know about the latest news and events.
Cathedral Centre
8-10 Westmorland St
Wakefield
WF1 1PJ
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