Wakefield Cathedral confirms plans to reopen to worshippers

Wakefield Cathedral will reopen its doors from next month, it has been confirmed.
Wakefield Cathedral will reopen its doors from next month, it has been confirmed.Wakefield Cathedral will reopen its doors from next month, it has been confirmed.
Wakefield Cathedral will reopen its doors from next month, it has been confirmed.

The Cathedral was one of thousands of locations forced to close to visitors in March as part of sweeping restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus.

In the months since, many members of the community have taken part in the Cathedral's online worship on Facebook and YouTube.

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But it will reopen for private prayer and reflection from next month, with new safety measures in place.

The Dean of Wakefield, the Very Revd Simon Cowling, said “We are excited to be able to welcome people through our doors once again, albeit in this new and rather unfamiliar way. I hope that people will find it comforting to return to their cathedral and we look forward to welcoming those who wish to light a candle, to say a prayer, or simply to reflect quietly on the unprecedented times we are living through.

“We look forward to being able to open more fully to visitors and worshippers when we are permitted and can do so safely in step with the latest Government and Public Health guidance.

“But until then I invite you to enjoy a moment or two in this beautiful sacred place which has, for centuries, been a symbol of hope, love and prayer at the heart of our city."

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Access will be limited to the Nave of the Cathedral, and the number of chairs will be significantly reduced, making it easier to manage the space.

Staff will also limit the number of people allowed in at any one time, and warned that queues may form at busy times.

Visitors will be able to access hand sanitising stations on entry and exit, and will be encouraged to make a donation to the cathedral using the contactless giving point.

But the Cathedral cafe, shop and toilets will remain closed, and it is not possible to hold public acts of worship at this time.

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Wakefield Cathedral will re-open its doors on Wednesday, July 1 for private prayer and reflection. It will be open Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 15.00.

For the latest updates, visit wakefieldcathedral.org.uk, or follow Wakefield Cathedral on Facebook and Twitter.