It’s never been done in more than 700 years and now you can experience a unique way to visit newly-dedicated Hull Minster.
The Minster is offering people the opportunity to view the magnificent medieval architecture and stunning stained glass windows from an unforgettable viewpoint.
People are being invited to abseil through one of Hull’s oldest and most iconic buildings in support of the development project which is creating a fabulous and flexible space within the church to be used by the whole community.
The two-day challenge takes place on Friday and Saturday, June 9-10. Fearless fundraisers will be able to explore the medieval stairwells during a steep and narrow climb up to the clock chamber before being harnessed up and lowered 80ft through the bell-ringing chamber and into the nave.
The idea of the Hull Minster Tower Abseil Challenge originated from the success of monthly tower tours organised to coincide with the Trinity Square Street Food Festival.
The tower tours give visitors the chance to climb up to the viewing platform and enjoy unrivalled views of Hull’s Old Town, the marina, the city centre, the river Humber and beyond.
The Vicar of Hull Minster, the Rev Canon Dr Neal Barnes, said: “Our tower tours have proved so popular that the idea of the abseil challenge seemed a natural next step.
“What’s interesting is that the tour doesn’t actually go as high as the clock chamber so those taking part in the abseil challenge will see a part of the church rarely seen by the public.
“We are halfway through phase two of our development project and have already raised more than £3.2m towards the transformation of the church. Funds from the abseil challenge will go towards the remaining £200,000 we need to raise by the end of summer to pay for the completion of the current works.”
Midway through the descent, abseilers can take part in an additional challenge to drop a ball into a target to be entered into a prize draw to win either a pair of Montblanc cufflinks or a George Jenson pendant, courtesy of Berry’s Jewellers.
To take part in the Hull Minster Tower Abseil Challenge, sign up via www.hullboxoffice.com/events/tower-abseil. Tickets cost £100.00. Entrants must be aged 16 and over.
The challenge is being managed by Total Access Ltd, which specialises in abseil window cleaning. The business, part of the Hull-based Arco group, the UK’s leading safety company, uses abseiling techniques to clean some of the country’s tallest office blocks.
The former Holy Trinity Church was recently re-designated as Hull Minster by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, in an open-air service that drew thousands to Trinity Square. The honour was bestowed in recognition of the church’s inspiring regeneration, physically and spiritually, and the exciting progress of the development project.