Bell ringing days

The Abbey bells can usually be heard before services and in celebration of church festivals and royal occasions.

See the Abbey bells page for a history of bell ringing at Westminster Abbey.

Bells in the bell chamber of Westminster Abbey

 

Bell ringing calendar

October

Monday, 2nd October 2023
The Judges' Service
the bells of Westminster Abbey are rung at about 12.30 pm following the annual service

Wednesday, 4th October 2023
The Lord Speaker's Birthday
the bells of St Margaret's Church are rung from 1.00 pm to mark the birthday of The Right Honourable The Lord McFall of Alcluith PC, Lord Speaker

Friday, 13th October 2023
The Translation of St Edward the Confessor
a full peal is rung by the Westminster Abbey Company of Ringers from 1.00 pm, and the Abbey bells are also rung following the Sung Eucharist at about 6.00 pm

Sunday, 15th October 2023
The Dedication of Westminster Abbey, 1269
the bells of Westminster Abbey are rung at about 4.00 pm, following Evensong

Wednesday, 18th October 2023
St Luke the Evangelist
the Abbey bells are rung following Evening Prayer at about 5.30 pm

November

Wednesday, 1st November 2023
All Saints' Day
the Abbey bells are rung at about 6.00 pm following the Sung Eucharist

Thursday, 2nd November 2023
The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day)
the Abbey bells are rung half-muffled following the Sung Eucharist at about 6.00 pm

Tuesday, 7th November 2023
The State Opening of Parliament
the bells of St Margaret's Church are rung from about 11.00 am

Thursday, 9th November 2023
The Opening of the Field of Remembrance
the bells of St Margaret's church are rung half-muffled following the ceremony at about noon

Sunday, 12th November 2023
Remembrance Sunday
the Abbey bells will be rung half-muffled from noon

Tuesday, 14th November 2023
The Birthday of His Majesty The King
the bells of Westminster Abbey are rung from 1.00 pm

Wednesday, 15th November 2023
The Baroness Couttie
the bells of St Margaret's Church will be rung at about noon, following the service of thanksgiving for the life and work of Philippa Roe, Baroness Couttie

Thursday, 30th November 2023
St Andrew's Day
the Abbey bells are rung at about 5.45 pm following Evensong

December

Monday, 25th December 2023
Christmas Day
the bells of Westminster Abbey are rung at about 11.45 am, following the Sung Eucharist of Christmas Day

Wednesday, 27th December 2023
St John the Evangelist
the Abbey bells will be rung for St John's Day at about 5.30 pm following Evening Prayer

January

Monday, 1st January 2024
New Year's Day
the Abbey bells will be rung by a visiting band, beginning at 1.00 pm

Saturday, 6th January 2024
The Epiphany of Our Lord
the Abbey bells are rung from noon

Tuesday, 9th January 2024
The Birthday of Catherine, Princess of Wales
the bells of Westminster Abbey are rung from 1.00 pm

Tuesday, 16th January 2024
The Right Honourable The Baroness Boothroyd OM PC
the bells of St Margaret's Church will be rung at about noon following the Service of Thanksgiving for Betty Boothroyd, Baroness Boothroyd

February

Friday, 2nd February 2024
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)
the Abbey bells are rung following the Sung Eucharist at about 6.00 pm

March

Friday, 1st March 2024
St David's Day
the Abbey bells will be rung for St David's Day following Evensong at about 5.45 pm

Monday, 11th March 2024
Commonwealth Day
the Abbey bells are rung following the Commonwealth Day Observance at about 4.00 pm

Sunday, 17th March 2024
St Patrick's Day
the bells of Westminster Abbey are rung for St Patrick's Day following Evensong at about 5.45 pm

Monday, 25th March 2024
The Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary
the Abbey bells are rung at noon