Explore our programme of Remembrance exhibitions, talks, workshops and services, marking this 80th anniversary year of the end of the Second World War.
Tapestry of Black Britons & Remembrance Exhibitions
Tuesday 4 – Saturday 29 November
Wells Cathedral, South Transept, Cloisters and Chapter House
Wells Cathedral is proud to host the thought-provoking exhibition Tapestry of Black Britons, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Second World War from 4-29 November. This important multi-participant artwork, produced by artist Paula Ogun Hector and woven by Bristol-based textile company Dash + Miller, aims to elevate Black British history and contribute to a more inclusive historical narrative.
There will also be a special Remembrance Exhibition of art created by schools and community groups, in the Cathedral’s Chapter House.
Find Out More
Tapestry of Black Britons preview
Tuesday 4 November, 7.00 p.m. – 8.30 p.m. (Doors open 6.30 p.m.)
Wells Cathedral, South Transept
A special opportunity to preview the Tapestry of Black Britons and to join us in conversation with its artist and curator, Paula Ogun Hector. With Chair of Somerset African Caribbean Network, Susann Savidge.
Booking information available soon.
Remembrance Sunday Eucharist
Sunday 9 November
An Act of Remembrance at 11.00 a.m. will be woven into the Cathedral Eucharist starting at 10.30 a.m. All are warmly invited to attend this service.
Duruflé Requiem
Sunday 9 November, 3.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. (Doors open at 2.15 p.m.)
Admission free: retiring colelction in aid of the Poppy Appeal and Wells Cathedral
The Cathedral Choir will join with Wells Cathedral School Chamber Choir to offer a devotional performance of Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, interspersed with readings, and with the now familiar and much appreciated ‘poppy drop’. Admission: free; retiring collection in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Wells Cathedral.
Duruflé’s Requiem is a compact, deeply meditative setting of the Latin Mass for the Dead completed in 1947. The score weaves much of its material from Gregorian chant, producing an unmistakably timeless sound world that balances the dread and woe of the ‘Libera me’ with the heavenly serenity of the final ‘In paradisum’.
Act of Remembrance on Armistice Day
Tuesday 11 November, 11.00 a.m. (gathering at 10.50 a.m.)
Wells Cathedral War Memorial, North Transept (by the Clock)
Join the Cathedral and the wider community for a short, dignified Act of Remembrance at 11.00 a.m., including the two‑minute silence that marks the moment the guns fell silent in 1918. The service will include the traditional Last Post and Reveille, with all invited to arrive a little early to ensure seating and take part in this growing, solemn gathering.
Emperor Haile Selassie I in Bath and Wells: His journey, His faith
A talk by Professor Shawn-Naphtali Sobers and Ras Benji.
Wednesday 12 November, 7.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. (Doors open 6.30 p.m.)
Wells Cathedral, Education Room
Visual anthropologist, Professor Shawn-Naphtali Sobers, will draw on his extensive work on Emperor Haile Selassie I to illustrate the impact of the Orthodox Ethiopian Church within Christianity.
Fairfield House Operations Manager, Ras Benji, will discuss his research on the Emperor’s life in exile during World War II, and his discovery that the Emperor came to worship at Wells Cathedral.
Booking information available soon.
Woven Stories
Monday 17 November, 2.00 p.m.–4.00 p.m.
Wells Cathedral, Education Room
Join us for Woven Stories – a creative sharing workshop organised by The Global Learning and Development Education Centre (GLADE) and Somerset African Caribbean Network.
Booking information available soon.
Schools Programme
During November, schools can book a self‑led visit or guided tour that includes the Remembrance Exhibition (open 3–30 November), the Roll of Honour for Somerset soldiers, and the Tapestry of Black Britons. There is the option to add a creative workshop led by tapestry artist Paula Ogun Hector and to extend the visit to explore hidden histories linked to Wells and transatlantic slavery, or to include a visit to the Bishop’s Palace Remembrance Poppies display.
Contact our Learning Team to find out more, by emailing education@wellscathedral.org.uk