As The Church of England cathedral church and a vibrant worshipping community, we serve the people and communities of the Diocese of Birmingham. Our worship is enhanced by Anglican Choral tradition, by our excellent professional Cathedral Choir of boys, girls and adults, singing five services each week in various formations during choir term times.
Christian worship is at the heart of the cathedral’s life as we offer to God our praises and prayers. Everyone is welcome to attend any our public services, as we rejoice in the diversity of the communities we serve and promote inclusion as widely as possible.
We usually mark the Principal Feasts and Principal Holy Days of the Church with a Choral Eucharist at 1945
This includes hosting services such as Ordinations; the Admission and Licensing of Readers; and schools’ services in partnership with the Diocesan Board of Education. We are very pleased to work with civic partners to mark significant, national, international and local occasions for the city and the diocese.
Some of our services are streamed online and may be available to watch back for up to 7 days after broadcast, depending on the service type.
Upcoming services
Livestreamed services
Different services explained
Choral Eucharist and Sung Eucharist
During the choir term, our principal service on Sunday mornings is a Choral Eucharist. This service of Holy Communion includes choral music sung by the Cathedral Choir, Bible readings, a sermon, prayers, and hymns.
Out of choir term, our principal service on Sunday mornings is a sung service of Holy Communion with Bible readings, a sermon, prayers, and hymns.
Backpacks with activities for younger children are available during these services – please ask one of our wardens or welcomers for these.
Choral Evensong
Choral Evensong is sung by the Cathedral Choir and uses traditional language from the Book of Common Prayer. During the choir term, Evensong is usually sung four times a week. We use a shorter form on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; the full service on Fridays; and a full service with hymns and a sermon on Sundays. It is a lovely opportunity to reflect and pray as the day turns to evening.
Morning Prayer
The office of Morning Prayer is a said service which includes a Psalm, Bible readings, and a short period of prayer. Everyone is welcome to attend this service at the start of the day.
Holy Communion
There is a short, said service of Holy Communion every day in the cathedral. On Sundays, this service includes a sermon. Everyone is welcome.
Holy Communion in traditional language
Once a week there is a service of Holy Communion in traditional language which draws on the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship Order Two. Everyone is welcome.
Evening Prayer
The office of Evening Prayer is a said service which includes a psalm, Bible readings, and prayers. Everyone is welcome to attend this service as the day draws to a close.
Compline
The office of Compline is released online only. This short digital office of Night Prayer includes psalms, a Bible reading, and prayers as we commend the day into God’s hands and pray for safety through the coming night.
Our cathedral choir
The Choir’s repertoire ranges from Palestrina, through Bach, Mozart and the great 19th and 20th century Anglican church composers to modern pieces commissioned by the Choir.
Our choristers come from many different schools and their diversity reflects the diversity of the city. The Choir gives regular concerts in the Cathedral, in parish churches in our diocese and further afield. Singing with a Cathedral Choir offers children a unique musical and educational opportunity and some of our choristers have become leading figures in professional music, art, the media and many other fields. We recruit boys into the Cathedral Choir from Year 3 and girls from Year 5.
We occasionally also have vacancies for adult student or professional singers, including for soprano choral scholars and female altos. Please get in touch to discuss these opportunities further.
Music at Birmingham Cathedral
In addition to our services, the cathedral plays host to other regular performances and concerts.
