Choirs will resume singing at Canterbury Cathedral this weekend - after a break of nearly six months.

The 1,400-year-old tradition of choral singing, which was put on hold by the pandemic, restarts on Sunday as the cathedral’s world-famous boys’, girls’ and men’s choirs return.

It has been the longest break in music at the cathedral since the English Civil War, which ended 369 years ago.

For the first time, the daily performances of choral evensong will also be streamed live online through the cathedral’s website, allowing a worldwide audience to enjoy the unique sound and atmosphere of this centuries-old choral tradition.

Music is an integral part of the cathedral’s worship and it takes great pride in the music performed at its services.

The cathedral’s organist and master of the choristers, Dr David Flood said: “I am thrilled that the choir is coming back into action.

"I always say to the choir, if you sing into the cathedral beautifully, it will sing back to you. The building is part of the sound you make.

"As soon as you put our choir back in the building where they belong, the whole sound comes together, like putting a duvet round your shoulders.”

Speaking about the choirs’ move into live streaming, the cathedral’s precentor, Reverend Max Kramer said: “The online world has been a great development for us.

"We reach thousands and thousands of people every single day through our morning and evening prayers, and it’s great to be able to make the choir a part of that as well.

"We’re delighted that the fabulous music of our choir can now be enjoyed not only in the Cathedral, but at home - wherever you are in the world.”

The cathedral’s daily choral evensong services resume from Sunday.

They will take place at 5.30pm every day, and can be attended in person or viewed live online on the Cathedral’s website

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