The Festival

The Festival takes place each year and dates back to the very origins of the Sons of the Clergy in 1655.  The first fund-raising event was a service on 8 November 1655 in the old pre-Fire of London St. Paul's Cathedral.  A collection was taken at the service on behalf of the families of clergy who had remained loyal to the Crown following the execution of Charles I and who had been deprived of their livings by Cromwell, thus leaving many of them penniless.  The service was then followed by a dinner in the Merchant Taylors' Hall at which a further collection was taken.  The service and dinner became a regular annual event which still continues more than 350 years later, with the 350th Festival having been held in 2004. 

The format of the Festival service has changed over the years and today it is notable for a fine sermon from an eminent preacher, wonderful music (usually two other cathedral choirs join the choir of St. Paul’s) and pageantry.  The service also symbolises the coming together of Church and State, with Bishops processing with the Aldermen of the City of London and the Archbishop of Canterbury processing in State with the Lord Mayor.

But behind the splendour of the occasion its purpose remains the same as that of the first service in 1655 – the work of the charity.  It is a service of worship combining both thanksgiving for the work of the Sons of the Clergy and the rededication to God of that work.  It is also a reminder of the charity’s own need for on-going financial support to enable it to continue performing the vital supportive role it has been performing for more than 350 years. 

The Stewards of the Festival

Originally Stewards were volunteers who organised the entire Festival. They looked after everything from the organisation of choirs and music through to the critically important role of ensuring that St Paul's was full of enthusiastic supporters willing to donate generously to the charity.  This was the main fundraising activity for the Sons of the Clergy for many years.

Today the role of Steward has changed and does not involve any duties, the task of organising the Festival now falling on the staff of the charities. However, up to 40 Stewards can process at the Festival Service. Stewards subscribe at least £50 (which can be gift aided) each year and thereby demonstrate their support for the Festival and for the work of the Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy. Their support is acknowledged in the Order of Service.

Applications to become a Steward are always welcome and if interested you should contact the Registrar.

The Festival in 2010

To read about the 356th festival please click here.

The Festival in 2011

The 357^th Festival will be on Tuesday, 17 May 2011, when the Preacher will be the Archbishop of Wales and the visiting choirs will be those of Worcester Cathedral and St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh.  No further details are yet available.

Areas within The Festival Previous Festivals