A special service held at Carlisle Cathedral has begun Cumbria’s celebrations of the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
The service of Choral Evensong was led by the Very Rev Mark Boyling, dean of Carlisle with the Rt Rev James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle preaching.
In the presence of Claire Hensman, Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, guests representing communities and representatives from the Queen’s patronages and interests from across the county, and members of the public, the service offered thanksgiving and prayers for the Queen’s 70 years of service to the UK and Commonwealth.
Mrs Hensman said: “At the beginning of this week, where communities across the county will mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee, it has been a delight to share in this service of thanksgiving in the county’s cathedral. Working with the cathedral, and the Cathedral Development Trust, it has been wonderful to be able to welcome representatives from across Cumbria to salute and celebrate our longest serving monarch.”
At the service on Friday night, the cathedral choir sang Sir Hubert Parry’s coronation anthem I Was Glad as well as a new piece In Our Service, commissioned for the jubilee by the Royal School of Church Music and written by Thomas Hewitt Jones.
The Dean of Carlisle said: “No doubt there will be all sorts of local events across the county to mark the platinum jubilee, but it was wonderful to bring people together from across Cumbria to begin the celebrations in the cathedral. Some beautiful music by the choir and some well-known hymns helped us all give thanks for the Queen’s life of dedicated service to the nation.”
Following the service, guests enjoyed a drinks reception in the cathedral and the newly refurbished Fratry Hall as guests of the Lord Lieutenant and Carlisle Cathedral Development Trust.
