People singing in the quire stalls

Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter

Date Time Location Price
Saturday, 4th April 20268.00pm - 9.30pmThe Abbey Free (no booking required)

A moving service which begins in the dark, where the light of Christ is rekindled and His Resurrection is celebrated.

The Easter Vigil takes place during the hours of darkness and begins with the kindling of the new fire. The Paschal candle is blessed and lit to represent the light of the risen Christ. This light is processed through the Abbey from west to east whilst ancient chant and hymns are sung.

The movement from darkness to light represents the time from the beginning of Creation to the Resurrection of Our Lord.

Music

MacMillan Mass of St Edward the Confessor 
Palestrina  Sicut cervus
Byrd Haec Dies
Tournemire Choral-Improvisation sur le ‘Victimæ paschali’

Easter at the Abbey

Saturday 4 April 2026 at 8:00pm - Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter

Sunday 5 April 2026 at 8:00am - Holy Communion (BCP) on Easter Day

Sunday 5 April 2026 at 10:30am - Sung Eucharist on Easter Day [livestreamed]

Sunday 5 April 2026 at 6:00pm - Sung Eucharist on Easter Day at St Margaret's Church