Two years on since the first all night extravaganza, Cathedral@Night returned to Norwich Cathedral.
The 12 hour event was open to all young people aged between 10-17 and saw the Cathedral spectacularly transformed with atmospheric lighting and a whole range of activities, workshops and experiences for young people throughout the night.
Introducing the night the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham James said:
“Norwich Cathedral is an open and busy cathedral everyday, but not in the night. In the night it’s closed. But not tonight! Tonight we are going to make this place a powerhouse of prayer!”
Bishop Graham, along with the Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Revd Jane Hedges, then had a go on the climbing wall!
Hundreds of young people and their youth leaders gathered for a chance to explore faith as well live music, cathedral tours, a climbing wall challenge, chill out zone, an inflatable assault course, pampering, sports, prayer space, worship, a midnight ceilidh and a bit of zumba!
One of the church youth leaders said:
“It’s just fantastic to see so many young people from so many churches worshipping and engaging with God, and having fun at the same time.”
A pop up café served refreshments throughout the night and the event concluded with a breakfast served ‘feeding of the 5000’ style and a final gathering in the Nave.
Cathedral@Night was organised by the Diocese of Norwich and Norwich Cathedral with support from churches, organisations and volunteers from across the region.
Speaking about the event, Jonathan Richardson, Children Youth and Families Development Officer for the Diocese said:
“It’s hard to explain the atmosphere when you spend 12 hours with over 300 young people! For some the night is just about high energy and staying up all night, for others its more contemplative and they just enjoy sitting quietly. A highlight for me this year was the midnight Ceilidh which saw many of the young people doing a folk dance to the Rend Collective song ‘My Lighthouse’. In putting on the event our prayer is that young people will have lifelong memories that connected them with church in a fun and exciting way and enable them to engage in a wide range of worship experiences”
