Thousands attend Salisbury Cathedral's From Darkness to Light
It's become a popular start of the Advent season
Around 3,500 people have visited Salisbury Cathedral over the weekend (Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd December) - for what's become a popular start to the festive season.
The From Darkness to Light services have been held once again, to symbolise the start of Advent.
The building becomes completely dark at the start of the event, with around 1,300 candles gradually lit before the end.
Each service also features two processions, made up of nearly a hundred people including the Bishop of Salisbury, Dean of Salisbury, Cathedral Canons, and the full Cathedral choir, making their way around the ancient building.
The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said:
“From Darkness to Light is honest about the turmoil that engulfs our world today. At the service’s beginning the Cathedral is plunged into deep darkness, and our thoughts turn to those enduing horror in Ukraine, in Israel, in Gaza, and in many other places. But Advent does not allow our trauma to overwhelm us. Instead, as candles are lit - one by one - we hear the ancient promise that God has not abandoned us, and that in the Christ child he has chosen to be with us, and to be with us always."
Christmas tree also going up
Meanwhile, Salisbury's largest Christmas tree has been put into place this afternoon (Monday 4th December).
A 32 foot Norway Spruce is up and lit in the West End of the Cathedral, near the water font - having been chosen from Longleat's sustainable forest.
Unlike our home traditions though, the tree will remain there until February 2nd, when the Church marks the festival of Candlemas.