Advent Procession picture highlights

Beautiful candlelight illuminated the ancient architecture of Norwich Cathedral at the weekend for a special service celebrating the beginning of Advent.

About 800 people attended the Advent Procession on Advent Sunday (1 December) and a further 1,000 watched the service online as the Cathedral marked the start of the festive season.

The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, said: “The Cathedral was full with a keen sense of expectation and openness to the mystery of God’s presence in our midst. We look forward to all the special services that are to come between now and Christmas day."

Below are some picture highlights taken by photographer Bill Smith.

Preparations for Christmas will continue at the Cathedral on Friday 6 December - St Nicholas Day - with two more seasonal services to which everyone is invited.

At 5.30pm, one of the Cathedral’s choristers will be made the ‘Child Bishop’ in a unique Evensong service reviving a medieval custom to celebrate St Nicholas, the patron saint of children.

Following on from this, all are welcome to gather outside the Cathedral at 6.15pm for the Blessing of the Outdoor Crib next to the Tree of Remembrance. Joining in the occasion will be two donkeys from Redwings Horse Sanctuary along with some Norfolk Horn sheep.

On the evening, and throughout the festive season, people will also be able to remember loved ones by placing a decoration on the Tree of Remembrance which is this year raising funds for the Norfolk-based charity YANA (You Are Not Alone).

There is lots more to look forward to at the Cathedral as the countdown to Christmas continues, including Norwich Cathedral Choir and Norwich Baroque’s performance of Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight on Saturday 7 December and Carols in the Cloister on Saturday 14 December.