Easter 2023 – what’s happening in and around the Diocese of Gloucester

Just some of the special events happening over Holy Week and Easter in the Diocese of Gloucester.

Check achurchnearyou.com for your local church’s events.

 

 

Throughout the Easter period

Cheeky Chick Easter Trail and family craft

Venue and time: Gloucester Cathedral, 1-16 April (excluding Good Friday, 7 April)

Description: Visitors can collect a trail sheet from the Cathedral Welcome Desk, which will task them with finding a flock of cheeky chicks that have escaped around the Cathedral while learning more about the beautiful building and the Easter story.

Fun family craft activities are also being held in the Chapter House on Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 April, 12.30-3.30pm. Book here: Easter Family Activity Sessions

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Saturday, 1 April

Messy Easter

Venue and time: St Bartholomew’s, Coaley, 10am to 12pm

Description: Hear the Easter story, plus crafts, painting and refreshments. Children of all ages welcome.

 

Stainer’s Crucifixion and Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis in B flat

Venue and time: St Mary’s Church, Fairford, 7.30pm

Description: Fairford & District Choral Society will be performing Stainer’s Crucifixion and Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis in B flat at St Mary’s Church, Fairford. Tickets cost £15 and are on sale at Fairford Opticians.

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Palm Sunday, 2 April

Palm Sunday service

Venue and time: Gloucester Cathedral, 10.15am

Description: Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, and is the day on which we come together to remember Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. All are welcome to this service, which will also be live-streamed.

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Monday 3 April

Sportily North Gloucester celebration

Venue and time: Twigworth, Innsworth and Longford, from 11am

Description: A free fun family day out full of sports, games, Easter Egg hunt, food and fun to celebrate the work of Sportily in the local area.

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Wednesday 5 April

Easter egg hunt

Venue and time: St Bartholomew’s, Lower Cam, 11am to 1pm

Description: A family fun day, with Easter egg hunt and crafts in church. Open to all.

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Maundy Thursday, 6 April 

Diocesan Chrism Eucharist

Venue and time: Gloucester Cathedral, 11am

Description: All are warmly welcome to attend The Chrism Eucharist which will feature the blessing of holy oils and will be led by The Right Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester.  There will also be a Maundy Thursday Eucharist at 7.30pm.

 

Sportily – Active Easter Explore

Venue and time: Blakeney Youth Club, Cinderford Road, Blakeney, GL15 4DZ, 10am to 12 noon

Description: A free family event engaging with themes from the Easter story, through activities and craft. Families are welcome to stay and eat together after the session, please bring own lunch.

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Good Friday, 7 April

The Way of the Cross

Venue and time: Gloucester Cathedral, 10.30am

Description: A powerful piece of theatre which re-enacts the last few hours before Jesus’ death. It will begin at the Cathedral at 10.30am, before moving along the streets of Gloucester. The Liturgy of Good Friday will then take place in the Nave of the Cathedral from 12 noon, a solemn three-hour devotion at the cross. The Cathedral Choir will also perform Bach’s ‘St John Passion’ at 7pm; all are welcome, with tickets available to book in advance via the Cathedral website.

 

Messy Church

Venue and time: Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton, time TBC

Description: Share hot cross buns and help to make an Easter garden.

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Holy Saturday, 8 April

Easter bonnet competition

Venue: All Saints’ Church, Longhope, 2pm to 4pm

Description: The church will be decorated with over 60 lilies, which have been sponsored by villagers in memory of loved ones. The church will be open for tea and cake and an Easter Bonnet competition and parade, featuring a friendly miniature pony Berry.

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Easter Sunday, 9 April

Sunrise bonfire service

Venue: The Christian Adventure Centre, Viney Hill, starts 5am

Description: The Revd David Gardiner from Lydney Parish will be leading a simple, informal act of worship with Bible readings, prayers and singing around a bonfire to welcome the dawn and celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Finishing with hot drinks and a simple breakfast.