The atmospheric lights of 5,000 candles paved the way for a stunning backdrop to a night of tranquillity at Candlemas in Ely Cathedral.
Sung to perfection by the cathedral’s choir the music held its packed audience in an ethereal bubble away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The light through darkness theme brought inward contemplation through readings and song in a beautifully performed event celebrated globally each year on February 2.
Mark Bonney, cathedral dean, said worship has been offered at Ely cathedral for nearly 1,400 years and for most of those the feast of Candlemas had been observed, but this year’s celebration was “particularly spectacular”.
“Looking around you will be able to see thousands of candles scattered across the church.
“In this atmospheric setting our choir performed works of sacred music from across the centuries, together with the first performance of a specially commissioned work by composer David Bednall,” he said.
The evening certainly felt special and was testament to the musical skill and hard work of all of those in staging such a successful night.
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