England’s Historic Cathedrals Turn to Pop Concerts and Silent Discos

Posted on September 6, 2026 
Filed under Church of England

What happens when you forget why you’re there?

“ ‘Candlelight concerts’ are taking place every week this fall in many of Britain’s ancient, historic and once-Catholic cathedrals, but these are not lofty performances of sacred or even classical music.

In Worcester Cathedral, founded in 680, rebuilt by St. Wulfstan, and the burial place of King John who issued the Magna Carta, the late pop singer Whitney Houston’s greatest hits will be performed. On other nights, the once-hallowed nave will be the setting for cover bands playing songs by the Eagles, Coldplay and Tina Turner.

Selby Abbey in Yorkshire, which survived Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries and is famous for featuring the 14th-century ‘Washington Window,’ which inspired the U.S. flag, will become the venue for the Beatles and Queen tribute bands in October. …

Every medieval cathedral in England appears to be hosting these concerts, except for two: Westminster Abbey and Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford. …”

– Story from The National Catholic Register.

Photo: Salisbury Cathedral.