Event information
Great St Mary’s Church, Senate House Hill, Cambridge, CB2 3PQ
The evening’s events at Great St Mary's Church will begin at 4.30pm with craft activities on the theme of how the natural world communicates.
Sounds are important in the natural world (think of bird song, a lion’s roar, and the warning sound of thunder before lightning). Join in and make a variety of animals and learn more about the sounds animals make, and even how fungi communicate through vibrations. Use environmentally responsible materials, such as recycled and recyclable paper, and a variety of techniques such as origami and sculpting clay. There will be toys and Play Doh for younger siblings.
‘Ask an expert’ your questions about animal welfare, conservation, and sustainability - Prof Don Broom, Emeritus Professor of Animal Welfare, will be on hand during the evening to answer your environmental questions. Also learn more about the poetry competition, with prizes including family tickets to climb the church tower, and having your poem exhibited in Michaelhouse.
At 6pm Cambridge’s Schola Cantorum choir, and the visiting Steel City Choristers from Sheffield, will begin rehearsing for a nighttime service in the church. You are invited to stay for this rehearsal, to see how choral music is prepared for performance, and to experience choral music in a relaxed setting - you will be able to move around the church, and will not be expected to sit completely still, as suits your family. A service with choral music will take place from 7.30pm. You are welcome to this service, which will also be open to the wider public.
This event will also include a ‘come and sing’ element, whereby people can sign up to sing with the choir on the evening. If you wish to sing, you will need to book your participation in advance. Book at the following link: bit.ly/ScholaCompline26
No booking required, drop in at any time during the event. Email nataliel@gsm.cam.ac.uk with any questions.
All are welcome. The open rehearsal will be relaxed and is designed to allow children and families to experience choral music with less formality than is often the case in church settings. The church is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and we have an accessible toilet available.
This event is part of Twilight at the Museums 2026.
