Leicester Cathedral has announced a series of commemorative events over three weeks in March to mark the tenth anniversary of King Richard III’s reinterment in the Cathedral.
Discovered in a Leicester car park in 2012 and reinterred with dignity and honour in Leicester Cathedral in 2015, King Richard III’s story continues to capture imaginations worldwide.
The Cathedral’s anniversary programme will bring together leading historians, musicians, and those people involved with the discovery and reinterment itself to explore the king’s life, death, and enduring impact.
The Very Revd Karen Rooms, Dean of Leicester said,
“We are excited to host such a varied programme to mark an event that in so many ways changed the Cathedral, city, and county.”
Leicester Cathedral will open late from 6.30 to 10.30pm on Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 March as part of the city-wide initiative Light Up Leicester which will see its tower illuminated with projections from art organisation, MBD.
It will also host specially commissioned soundscapes based on the Cathedral’s Richard III Oral History Project that were created by students at the Music, Technology and Innovation Research Centre (MTI) at De Montfort University.
From Thursday 20 to Saturday 29 March, the Cathedral will host special services to mark the anniversary – including a Civic Service on the 10th anniversary itself, and an evening Compline service for people of all faiths – with the Roman Catholic Bishop of Nottingham, The Rt Revd Patrick McKinney preaching.
The Cathedral will be hosting an evening concert of sombre and celebratory music as the Cathedral Choir sings a varied programme that includes pieces from the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of King Charles III.
There are talks by a range of experts including Dr Toby Capwell, arguably the world’s leading expert on medieval armour, who will examine how Richard was so adept in combat despite his disability, and acclaimed author Annie Garthwaite – writer of novels Cecily and The King’s Mother – will tell the fascinating stories of the women who helped shape Richard’s life and legacy.
There will be a panel discussion of people involved with the discovery and reinterment of Richard III and people will be able to travel back in time for a Medieval Banquet plus there are Richard III-themed afternoon teas – with each table hosted by someone involved in the discovery and reinterment.
Throughout the season, a special free exhibition – Medieval Women Forging the Way: Influential Women of the Sikh World and Beyond – explores the close historical links between the Battle of Bosworth and the beginnings of the Sikh faith in Punjab – and has been brought to life thanks to Leicestershire County Council’s Culture Leicestershire team and a local Sikh women’s group.
For a full programme, click here.
