Important stuff to know

Guidance from Ray - Updated April 2, 2026

Where and when

  • We are singing services August 10-16, 2026.
  • We will sing Evensong during the week at 5 (taking Thursday off), a Sung Eucharist on Saturday at 5, with Sunday services at 11.15 and 3.

Rules - the big picture

  • The rules imposed by St. Paul’s Cathedral are somewhat stricter than when we sang at Canterbury Cathedral, partly due to the fact that security is a bigger challenge in the City of London than in Kent.
  • Being in the right place at the right time will make life a lot easier for us all!

Entering the building & what you can (and can't) bring in

  • Entrance to the cathedral is via the North-West Crypt entrance (opposite the Paul Café). We must all enter together at times yet to be confirmed.
  • If you bring any bags with you, they will be inspected upon arrival, and must not exceed 45cm x 30cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles, and pockets. In inches, that is roughly 17 ½ x 11 ¾ x 9 ¾.
  • I am assuming we can leave our robes and music in the rehearsal room but that is yet to be confirmed.

The images here were provided by Janet Balej. One is a bird’s eye view of St. Paul’s with a red arrow pointing to the entrance Ray noted above. The other is a street level view of the entrance.

According to Janet - who visited St. Paul's in 2022 - at the bottom of the stairs, there is a guard window on the right and the guards will buzz the group in.

Timing, dress code, water bottles

  • We will have 45 minutes to rehearse in the Quire each day. Obviously we will wear cassocks for that.

  • Shoes must be flat or have a small heel of up to one inch. High heels, boots, and sandals are not permitted.

  • For the service, bags and water bottles are not allowed in procession.

  • I would guess that they don’t want people glugging down water during the service but that is not made clear on the notes they have sent.

Comment from Kristi Bergland April 7, 2026

There is an expectation that we dress smartly, and not just schlepp in wearing whatever.

Building tours

  • I will arrange for a guided tour of the building for the choir.

  • On the days we are singing we are also allowed to explore the building on our own. However, ...

  • ... Friends and family will have to pay half the general admission price, which will be £13.50. The only time friends and family can enter the building free of charge is for services.

  • If they wish to join us on a guided tour, they still have to pay the £13.50 but with an extra amount on top.

  • I can’t discover from their website how much that might be, but probably more than what we might consider reasonable. I will ask the cathedral for clarification nearer the time.