Posted on: 27th August 2026

Ripon Cathedral is calling on anyone who has ever sung in one of the cathedral’s choirs to join its current choir for a special Alumni Reunion Evensong this October, marking the 30th anniversary of Ripon Cathedral’s Girls’ Choir.

Thirty years ago, on November 17 1996, the newly formed Ripon Cathedral Girls’ Choir sang for the first time – at a Sunday morning Eucharist. To celebrate this milestone, Ripon Cathedral will hold a special Alumni Reunion Evensong on Saturday October 10 2026 at 5.30pm, bringing together former choristers and choir members from across the decades.

If you’ve sung in the choir you are warmly invited to return, either to sing in the service or to join the congregation, and please bring along family and friends! Whether you’re a former choir member or a first-time visitor to the cathedral, come and enjoy the splendour of choral evensong in the stunning setting of the 15^th Century nave.

Former choir members will have the unique opportunity to sing alongside the current cathedral choir, recognised for its outstanding musical standards and recent broadcasts on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and on BBC Radio 3.

The afternoon will begin with registration at 2.00pm, followed by a rehearsal at 2.30pm. The Alumni Reunion Evensong will begin at 5.30pm.

Dr Ronny Krippner, Director of Music at Ripon Cathedral, said: “This promises to be a memorable occasion, not only for returning alumni but for everyone joining us for this beautiful service of choral evensong, sung by a choir of more than 100 voices. For the alumni it is also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former choir friends.”

Alongside the reunion there will be displays of archive photographs and memorabilia celebrating 30 years of the Girls’ Choir and the cathedral’s wider musical heritage. Following the service, alumni and guests are invited to stay for refreshments and attend the alumni dinner.

Those wishing to sing, please contact Laura Jones laurajones@riponcathedral.org.uk to book your place.