Newcastle Easter Vigil & Rooftop Singing

In an Easter custom very similar to Ascension Day traditions elsewhere, the choristers of St Nicholas’ Cathedral in Newcastle upon Tyne take to the roof of the Castle Keep to sing at dawn on Easter Sunday morning. As Easter is a moveable feast, this may occur during March or April. This is a very recent tradition, but I have the feeling that it will be one that persists as the setting is spectacular and seems appropriate for the occasion. The service begins inside the Keep, and after a candlelit Gathering and Vigil with hymns and readings, the congregation follows the choir up the steps to the roof, singing all the way. The officiant kindles the Easter Fire and lights the Easter Candle while the choir faces east to greet the rising sun; the Easter Gospel is proclaimed and after more singing, the sign of peace is given by all shaking hands and exchanging greetings. Breakfast follows back at the Cathedral.

Helpful Hints

In 2025 Easter Sunday will be on 20th April. In 2024 instead of the Rooftop service there was a vigil in the Cathedral (not the Keep) at 7pm on Easter Saturday. The Rooftop Service may return in 2025 (yet to be confirmed).

The only way up to the roof of the Keep is by long flights of steps, so the service is only suitable for those who can make the climb -I have it on good authority that you can hear the singing quite clearly from ground level!

Click here for the Cathedral website: https://newcastlecathedral.org.uk/