WORCESTER’s historic Cathedral welcomed 20 per cent more visitors in 2023 compared to the year before, new figures have revealed.
Some 180,000 visitors visited the city landmark last year, a rise of 30,000 compared with 2022.
More than 14,829 people visited the Cathedral in the week leading up to Christmas Day, compared with 13,000 in 2022.
Some 44 choral carols were sung and 67 Christmas Carols, with a staggering 251 verses echoing around the building.
Throughout December, 62,373 people flocked to view the Christmas Tree Festival in the medieval cloister – up considerably on 49,268 in 2022.
This year saw more trees than ever, with 135 local schools, charities, businesses and organisations taking part.
The cathedral also hosted a packed programme of Services, with 3,484 people attending Christmas Eve services alone.
This year’s Crib Services featured flocks of sheep to delight visitors and share the story of the nativity.
Interim Dean of Worcester, Canon Stephen Edwards, said:
“We were absolutely delighted to welcome so many visitors to the Cathedral throughout the Advent and Christmas period.
“It was a joyous year with more visitors, trees, carols and services than ever.
“Thank you to the whole community who came to celebrate Christmas 2023 here in this historic and sacred space.”
