10 reasons why Liverpool Cathedral continues to be an outstanding asset to our city

It dominates our skyline and inspires our city, but here are 10 things you might not know about Britain’s largest place of worship, Liverpool Cathedral

More than a world-famous place of worship and an architectural treasure, Liverpool Cathedral is home to a thriving community, incredible artwork, annual events, and plays host to visitors from all over the world.

Here’s just some of the reasons why it continues to be an incredible asset to our city.

1 – Liverpool Cathedral put the whole world in our hands!

Gaia, better known as Earth, is the seven-metre spherical artwork created by Luke Jerram.

Over 200,000 people came to see the piece as part of Liverpool’s River Festival 2019, including the first British astronaut in space, Helen Sharman.

The previous year, Jerram’s Museum of the Moon gathered equally awestruck crowds.

2 – Took 77 years in the making

In 1901 the competition to design Liverpool Cathedral was opened. In 1903, the winning concept was submitted by 22-year-old Architect, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Surviving two world wars, on 25 October 1978, work was finally complete, with an opening service attended by Her Majesty.

Sadly, Sir Giles never lived to see his magnificent design in all its glory, passing away in 1961.

3 – Breaks world records

Liverpool Cathedral remains not only the biggest cathedral in Britain, but the fifth largest in Europe, welcoming around 500,000 visitors each year. When the cathedral organ was completed in 1926 it was the largest musical instrument ever conceived, and is still the biggest pipe organ in the UK.

In 2008, Liverpool ringers won the world record for over 5000 non-stop changes as part of our European Capital of Culture celebrations. And while we’re talking records, the peal of bells are the world’s highest and heaviest.

4 –  Has an outstanding work ethic

Liverpool Cathedral raises an annual £3 million to fund essential maintenance work, receiving no funding from the Government or Monarchy, and little investment from the Church.

Despite this, the cathedral strives to keep admittance free. Testimony to its original ethos of being built by and for the people of Liverpool.

5 – Makes us part of its history

The People’s Path surrounds the exterior of the cathedral, made up of personalised, engraved bricks, purchased to celebrate special occasions, dates, or remember loved ones; making your history an indelible part of the Cathedral’s history.

6 – Supports The Arts

Historically, cathedrals seek exceptional Artwork in celebration of God-given talent. Liverpool Cathedral is synonymous with crowd-pleasing pieces, regularly hosting exhibitions of local, national and international artists.

Alongside these showcases, you’ll find fixed pieces such as Tracey Emin’s ’For You.’ The pink neon signage was installed in 2008 as part of Capital of Culture, and now permanently resides over the West Doors, beneath the Benedicite window.

7 – Invites us for dinner

Liverpool Cathedral partners with a boutique caterer to create several unique dining experiences. There’s the Mezzanine Café Bar; offering a lighter, lunch-inspired menu and WiFi access, and The Welsford, serving freshly-made Winter meals. Meanwhile, The lowered floor of The Nave, known as The Well is ideal for smaller dinners, receptions and concerts.

In keeping with the cathedral’s innovative approach, the oak-panelled Sir Giles Gilbert Scott Suite, offers private dining, business facilities, and special occasion catering for up to 100 guests.

8 – Reaches great heights

As the highest cathedral in the UK, Liverpool Cathedral stands 500ft above sea level. The Tower Experience offers you the chance to enjoy 360º open-air views of the city, and explore The Bell Chamber.

9 – A place of worship

Each Sunday at 10.30am, as traditional cathedral mass takes place, you can join a more relaxed invitation to worship in the Concert Room. This is an informal service for all ages, beginning with coffee and cake, in a café style setting.

10 – At Christmas time

There’s nowhere as majestic, magical and monumentally magnificent! Coming up at Liverpool Cathedral:

Liverpool Winter Arts Market – 7 Dec

Bustling with handmade Arts, Crafts, Christmas gifts, and a festive food fair.

Scrooge – 9 Dec

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with music, drama and dance.

Nativity service – 15 Dec

A traditional nativity service for the whole family.

Christmas carols with the cathedral choir – 21 Dec

Enjoy highlights from The Great Choir, singing out from around the cathedral.

Carols for Christmas Eve – 2pm & 4pm

The perfect tree-topper for the arrival of Christmas Day.

Visit the Liverpool Cathedral website to plan your visit.

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