Liverpool Cathedral reopens on double celebration date

Liverpool Cathedral reopened its doors at the weekend as it marked two special anniversaries.

The Grade I listed sandstone edifice was opened to visitors and members of the congregation yesterday.

The date was the 106th anniversary of the foundation stone being laid in 1904, and the 96th anniversary of it being officially consecrated as the Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool in 1924.

Worshippers attended a special Consecration Service at 10.30am, where the Bishop of Liverpool preached, with general visitors will be able to access the building from noon.

Numbers are being restricted and visitors will need to book a timed slot in advance, with a one-way system in place inside the building. There will also be hand sanitiser points and social distancing signs.

Visiting hours are also being reduced, from 11am to 3pm Monday to Saturday, and noon to 3pm on Sundays.

The cathedral shop will reopen tomorrow but the tower experience, mezzanine café and Welsford restaurant will all stay shut until further notice.

Liverpool Cathedral closed to the public in March when the Government announced a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A number of events which would have been hosted by the building – including the popular Summer Arts Market and LightNight – were also cancelled or went online.

Luke Jerram's Gaia in the cathedal in 2019, pictured with stained glass and Tracey Emin's artwork

Meanwhile the Peace Doves installation, which was due to open in May to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day, will still take place at a date yet to be announced. Visitors will be able to write their message of hope on a paper dove.

The Dean of Liverpool, the Very Rev Sue Jones, said: “We want people to enjoy our building and we want them to do this safely so, like so many great Liverpool venues, the way you encounter us will be different. But you will still encounter a warm welcome as you come back to one of the buildings that people right across Liverpool and beyond love.

“I’ve missed so many encounters with our visitors over the last few months, so it feels great to be welcoming people back.

"And to be able to more fully open our doors with public worship on the anniversary of our consecration seems fitting and right.”

For more details and to book an entrance ticket visit the website HERE