Our saint, St Brigit of Kildare, died 1500 years ago and this great milestone has inspired an extended Patronal Festival. Special choral services on Sunday 9 February 2025 will be preceded by a series of events on the previous day…

Saturday 8th February 2025

12noon – Ecumenical Service with participation from local churches
Music from Rebecca Tavener and Bill Taylor (harp): medieval Hymns for St Brigit and hymns for all.
Followed by a light lunch.

1.00pm – Singing Workshop for all
You too can sing medieval plainsong! Calling all those who would love the opportunity to participate in singing plainsong together, we are gathering a community choir to work on the medieval chant for St Brigit, and anyone who enjoys joining in this will also have the opportunity to participate in the Performance…

There is no charge to participate and, if you would like to register, simply send a message via the Cappella Nova Contact Form found here:

4.30pm – Performance (ending c6.15) ‘Holy Star of Ireland’
Medieval Irish music and poetry in honour of St Brigit of Kildare performed by the professional singers of CANTY with Bill Taylor (Harp); Gillean McDougall (narrator); Schola Cantorum of St Bride;
Community Singers.
Admission by donation. Followed by a reception and a glass of wine.

Sunday 9th February 2025

10.30am – Festival Choral Eucharist sung by St Bride’s Choir with Organist John Gormley: music includes medieval Irish Chant, Francis Jackson’s Communion Service in G, Anton Bruckner’s Locus iste and Judith Bingham’s solo organ work St Bride assisted by Angels.  The Right  Reverend Andrew Swift, interim Bishop for the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway  will preside and preach.

3.30pm – Festival Choral Evensong sung by Strathclyde University Chamber Choir with Organist David Hamilton: music includes Stanford’s Evening Service in F, Sumsion’s We love the Place, O God and motets by Anton Bruckner and Pierre Villette.