An invitation to the Liverymen and Freemen of the City

The 369th Clergy Support Trust Festival brings together three world-class cathedral choirs, inspiring speakers and respected guests from the City of London and Livery movement.

Join us under the magnificent dome of St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday 7 May 2024, 5pm, and afterwards for our historic dinner at Plaisterers' Hall, 6.30pm.

The Festival Service and Dinner are opportunities for networking, fellowship and to give thanks for the work of Anglican clergy and their families, and the Trust in supporting them.

Festival Service

Even after 369 years, hearing three world-class cathedral choirs perform together outside of a very special, historic occasion, such as the coronation of King Charles III, is still a very rare treat.

This year, the cathedral choirs of Durham and Rochester join St Paul's Cathedral Choir in a majestic act of worship.

We have also been privileged to hear hundreds of engaging, influential speakers give the sermon. This year, we are delighted to welcome The Most Revd Andrew John, Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Bangor.

The Masters of Worshipful Companies and Guilds across the City of London join our ceremonial Stewards and senior clergy in a procession down the aisle at the start of the Service, a tradition of three centuries standing.

They then take their places in our priority seating area at the front of the cathedral, beneath the magnificent dome.

A number of circular tables, lit by candles, with guests sat around them in formal dress.

Festival Dinner

An opportunity for networking and fellowship, the 342nd Festival Dinner - a two-course buffet with wine - will take place at Plaisterers' Hall after the Service.

A chance to take a moment to celebrate the historic links between The Trust, The City and The Church, attendees often include amongst them the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Sheriffs, Aldermen and Bishops, our Governors of the Trust and Stewards of the Festival.

Guests will hear from speakers, including our Chief Executive, The Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls, on how we walk alongside Anglican clergy and their families, and the invaluable, vital contributions from our friends in the livery movement.

Guests will leave with a goodie bag of resources and stationary from the Trust - a memento, we hope, of an invigorating and entertaining evening together.

The Festival Service is free. For the Festival Dinner, we ask that you make a £75 contribution to cover the cost of your meal.

Our relationship with the City Livery

In 1655, concerned with the welfare of clergy, their children and widows, a Festival was held by merchants, the sons of clergy, Liverymen and Freemen of the City of London to raise funds.

369 years later, a great deal has changed, but Clergy Support Trust's mission to serve those who serve remains the same. As does our deep, historic connection with the livery movement.

We greatly value the centuries-old support of Worshipful Companies and Guilds. As well as being celebrated here, the much-appreciated financial contributions of the City livery are acknowledged in the Festival Order of Service.

Many Livery members also support us by becoming Stewards of the Festival or Governors of the Trust. The Lord Mayor of the City of London shows their support through an ex officio role as an Honorary President.

Email our team at festival@clergysupport.org.uk to find out more about how your company can walk alongside Clergy Support Trust, as we walk alongside thousands of Anglican clergy and their families.

Our supporters in 2023

How to book your tickets

We look forward to welcoming you to the 369th Festival Service at St Paul's Cathedral, and Festival Dinner at Plaisterers' Hall, on Tuesday 7 May 2024, 5pm.

If you are the Master of a livery company or guild - we have sent an email invitation with your bespoke link to your Clerk. Please check with them that this has been received. If you have not received this, email us at festival@clergysupport.org.uk.

If you are a Member of a livery company or guild - please book your tickets, for you and your guests, through the link below. The Festival Service is free. For the Festival Dinner, we ask that you make a £75 contribution to cover the cost of your meal.

If you wish to make an additional donation to support our work with Anglican clergy and their families, this would be greatly appreciated. You can do so through the same booking link.

Book now

Train strikes

Unfortunately, train strikes across several networks on Tuesday 7 May 2024 may cause delays to your journey. We would encourage you to check the website of your local train provider, and leave a little earlier than you might otherwise, just to be sure that you arrive in time. Doors open at 4pm, and we ask everyone to be seated by 4.45pm. The Festival Service will start promptly at 5pm.