Cumbrian cellist and poet Kenneth Wilson, 66, is known for his mad projects. But perhaps this one – Pilgrim Cello – is the maddest of all. Starting on Sunday 18th May 2025, Kenneth will cycle, with his cello, 2,000 miles around all 42 of the English Anglican cathedrals. It’s not just a bike ride, however. It’s a pilgrimage, in the ancient tradition of Christian journeying. And it’s also a concert tour. Kenneth will be giving a performance of a specially-written Meditation in 40 of the 42 cathedrals. He has already performed the Meditation on the Seven Last Words in cathedrals as far apart as Salisbury, Rochester, and Liverpool. The Meditation is a moving evocation of Jesus’s last hours on the cross, combining Kenneth’s short poems with the timeless solo cello music of Bach. “It’s more than a religious work, though,” Kenneth explains. “The Meditation offers music and poetry that has meaning well beyond that. Even if you’ve never been in a cathedral before, I hope the Meditation – as well as the journey – will speak to you!”Three years ago, Kenneth cycled, with his cello, from Hadrian’s Wall to Rome. On that journey he performed in tents, in halls, in the open on the highest paved road over the Alps, and at the Musei Capitolini in Rome. His book, Highway Cello, about that journey, was described by best-selling author Christi Daugherty as “an absolute charmer of a travel book.” The Dalai Lama called his earlier work, Orange Dust: Journeys After the Buddha, “inspirational” and “uplifting.”As well as music and poetry, there is another dimension to Pilgrim Cello. As Kenneth explains, “I will also be carrying with me seven iconic paintings by abstract artist Gillian Lever, which vividly illustrate the Seven Last Words. They underline the “pilgrimage” element of the 2,000-mile journey, and will be displayed at each cathedral performance.”Kenneth Wilson will be performing at Bradford Cathedral on Friday 23rd May 2025 at 3pm, as well as playing two short pieces at the launch of the Cathedrals Cycle Relay 2025 the following day, Saturday 24th May 2025 from 10:30am.Full details of all his performances can be found on his website, www.kennethwilsoncello.com/pilgrim-cello/As well as coming to see a performance, Kenneth hopes that some cyclists might be inspired to join him for a bit of a ride as he passes through the area. But if you do, he promises not to ask you to carry the cello!ENDS Kenneth Wilson will be performing his ‘Meditation on the Seven Last Words of Jesus’ on Friday 23rd May 2025 at 3pm. Entry is free, with a retiring collection, and you can express your interest at https://bradfordcathedral.churchsuite.com/events/n9k1jnfn. You can find out more about the wider tour at http://www.kennethwilsoncello.com/pilgrim-cello.
Art of Andalucia is a powerful tribute to the essence of flamenco, showcasing Daniel Martinez’s exceptional talent as a composer and guitarist. This concert offers a carefully curated journey through some of his most celebrated works, including music from his award-winning production Art of Believing and his latest album Andalucia. Audiences will also enjoy a first glimpse of brand-new material from Daniel’s upcoming third album, making this production a must-see for flamenco lovers and newcomers alike. But Art of Andalucia is more than a music concert—it is a bold celebration of flamenco dance. In this production, dance takes centre stage as music and movement come together in perfect harmony. Daniel has created original music for two standout flamenco dancers, whose choreographies have been specially developed for this tour. The result is a rich and emotionally charged performance that captures the spirit of Andalucia and the soul of flamenco. One of these featured dancers is Angel Reyes, an internationally renowned performer whose explosive energy and deep roots in flamenco tradition have made him a rising star in the global flamenco scene. As well as his solo projects, Angel works for world famous dancers such as Manuel Liñan and Jesus Carmona. Alongside Angel is the stunning Gabriela Pouso, Daniel Martinez’s principal dancer, whose expressive and graceful style has been a core part of the company’s success since its foundation. Together, they deliver unforgettable performances that blend technical brilliance with heartfelt storytelling. Adding further depth and authenticity to the concert are the powerful voices and rhythmic palmas of Inma Montero and Danielo Olivera, whose singing brings the emotional heart of flamenco to life. Driving the performance forward is Julian Ticotico on percussion, whose masterful rhythms create an electrifying energy that fills every corner of the stage. Art of Andalucia is a rich cultural experience that transcends borders—bringing the fire, rhythm and emotion of southern Spain to audiences far beyond its homeland. Don’t miss this exhilarating celebration of music and dance, performed by one of the UK’s most exciting flamenco ensembles. ‘Art of Andalucia’ by the Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company comes to Bradford Cathedral on Friday 16th May 2025 at 7:30pm. Tickets can be booked at https://danielmartinezflamenco.com/shop/events/art-of-andalucia-flamenco-dance-bradford-cathedral-bradford-16th-may-2025-730pm/
The deadline for applications is Friday 30th May 2025Interviews will take place week commencing 9th June 2025Bradford Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and all vulnerable people. This commitment is shared by our staff and volunteers.For full details – and to apply – please visit the Church of England Pathways website.
On Saturday 10th May, Bradford Cathedral will be opening its doors for a pair of Ecclesiastical Textiles' Tours where you’ll be able to discover more about the beautiful textiles on display in the Cathedral, as well as those that are rarely seen. Being held as part of Bradford 2025, the UK City of Culture year, the Ecclesiastical Textiles’ Tours are the perfect chance to discover more about the history of Bradford Cathedral through its collection of beautiful, intricate and historically significant ecclesiastical textiles. These include altar frontals and other textiles designed by Morris & Co., the Leek Embroidery Society, Bradfordian artist Ernest Sichel and renowned Bradfordian embroiderer, Louisa Pesel, who designed an altar frontal that was worked on by shell-shocked soldiers during World War One. There are also contemporary textiles designed by Polly Meynell. Maggie Myers, Bradford Cathedral’s Director of Education and Visitors, says:“Join us as we tour the Cathedral, seeing these stunning textiles in situ - some of which are rarely on display - and hearing the fascinating stories behind them. "The Cathedral is such a lovely building, with so many wonderful features and stories. This is a rare opportunity to focus on its fascinating textiles and to get up close to them in order to appreciate them fully." Tickets (£7 each + booking fee) for the 11:30am tour can be booked at https://ecclesiastical-textiles-may-2025-1.eventbrite.co.uk/ and for the 1:30pm tour at https://ecclesiastical-textiles-may-2025-2.eventbrite.co.uk/.
