Cathedral Music Trust: Autumn National Gathering 2026
Friday 9 – Sunday 11 October 2026 | Exeter Cathedral & Buckfast Abbey
“In the beautiful county of Devon, the Cathedral Music Trust’s Autumn National Gathering 2026 will give an opportunity to visit the beautiful and world-famous Exeter Cathedral, built between the 11th and 14th centuries, and fascinating Buckfast Abbey, with its active Benedictine monastery near the small town of Buckfastleigh.
The Gathering will begin in Exeter Cathedral on Friday 9 October, with an opportunity to explore the site with experienced guides, looking at the very early misericords, its astronomical clock, its minstrels’ gallery, its magnificent Bishop’s throne, and the longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling in the world. Discover its renowned choir, chamber choir, youth and junior choirs, as well as its inspiring outreach programme. There will also be the unique opportunity to visit the brand-new Treasures exhibition housing 1000 years of Cathedral history, featuring fascinating manuscripts and an organ manual once played by S. S. Wesley.
Following the tours learn more and hear the Grand Organ, followed by a Devon cream tea before attending Choral Evensong. Following Evensong, there will be a drinks reception with an opportunity to meet members of the choir, the music department.
On Saturday morning, visit Buckfast Abbey via coach located in a picturesque valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Welcomed by the Master of Music in the Schiller Hall followed by a talk on the Abbey and its music before exploring its beautiful gardens.
Attend Choral Mass at lunchtime before enjoying a finger buffet in the Conference Centre. The afternoon will include a tour of the Abbey and a recital and demonstration of the first organ built in the United Kingdom by the renowned Italian organ builder Fratelli Ruffatti followed by tea and a return to Exeter in time for Choral Evensong. After Evensong, walk across to the nearby Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel for a Gala Dinner in the Seymore Suite. The after-dinner speakers will be former Friends of Cathedral Music Chairman, Professor Peter Toyne and his son, former Exeter chorister and now Cathedral Music Trust Trustee, Simon Toyne, both with many connections to Exeter.”