Events

The Proms are back in town
Glastonbury may be cancelled, but tickets for the Proms are going on sale from the 23 July 2021, and the concerts will be going ahead without social distancing; however, proof of double-vaccination will be required. Whether you’re enjoying the Proms from the Royal Albert Hall or your sofa, it’s an especially rich banquet this year, but take especial note of the First Night of the Proms on the 30 July, which features a world premiere from Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan. Go to www.bbc.co.uk/events/rcc6v2 to see times and book tickets.

Holy Ground: Art, faith and the natural environment
For those looking to avoid the crowds don’t overlook Art and Christianity’s three-day conference and retreat at Berwick Church in Sussex from the 17–19 September 2021. The event is celebrating the restoration of murals painted by the Bloomsbury artists. It features talks by experts and newly commissioned artists and ends with a collective hike along the Cuckmere Pilgrims Path on Sunday. It’s a great chance to mix with artists and those engaged with religious art in a beautiful corner of the English countryside. Tickets and information can be found at www.artandchristianity.org/upcoming-events/holy-ground-art-faith-and-the-natural-environment.

Young Christians Relay to COP26
For those who really want to stretch their legs (and save the planet), the Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) is staging a 1,000-mile relay walk from Cornwall to Glasgow, where the COP26 – the United Nations Climate Change Conference – is being held this year. Don’t worry though, the walk is a relay and is being broken up into stages, and walkers are free to do as much or as little of the walk as they feel able. The relay started in June, but will be continuing until the 31 October, the day before COP26 begins. The YCCN is looking for both walkers and volunteers to help out in the coming months, and details of how to get involved can be found at www.yccn.uk.