The ‘Cathedral of the Wolds’, All Saints’ Church in Pocklington, throws its doors open to celebrate its reopening after redecoration, installation of new lighting and renovation of some of its stained glass with ‘Let There Be Light’ events during the All Saints’ Festival weekend on the 2nd and 3rd November.

The Grade 1 listed medieval building held its first main service for 10 weeks on Sunday 13th October in a blaze of light benefiting from a digitally controlled LED system to show the historic building in its full splendour.

Churchwarden Nigel Laws explained “It’s not just about the brightness of light, but also the quality of light. The new lighting will make it easier for everyone and enable us to have the right lighting for the right occasion. It is now possible to have the lights on in 16 different ‘scenes’ according to how the building is used, whether as a place of public worship, heritage destination or concert venue.”

Fellow Church Warden Hilary Slow said “We invite the whole community in and around Pocklington to join in the celebrations over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd November to experience and enjoy the building since the work has been completed. There will be something for everyone over the weekend. It was great to be back on Sunday for the Harvest Festival, led by Canon Caroline Pinchbeck, South Wold Area Dean.”

Celebrations start at 10am on Saturday 2nd until 4pm where Refreshments will be served and a number of stalls, including home-made Jams and Chutneys, Fair Trade Stall, Christmas Cards, Advent candles, Tombola, and Raffle to name a few. Throughout the day there will be craft activities for children, and weather permitting an opportunity to ascend the Church Tower to enjoy the panoramic views as far as the Kilburn White Horse in the North to the Humber in the South.

On Saturday evening at 7.30pm there will be a concert by the talented local Celebration Singers entitled ‘Songs from the Musicals’; drinks and light refreshments will be available. Tickets for the concert are £8 and available from the Church office (01759 306045).

On the Sunday 3rd everyone is invited to the 10.45am Family Communion and the Church will remain open until 4.00pm for visitors.

Nigel added “We are indebted to a team of hard-working and enthusiastic volunteers during the project and to Pocklington School who made us so welcome for our main Sunday morning Service. Particular thanks to the Revd Les Slow, who has overseen the whole project and to the excellent work by the architect and contractors ensuring a tight timetable of ten weeks was met."

www.pocklingtongroupofchurches.org