Carlisle Cathedral to feature in special Songs of Praise

The programme will go out on BBC one on September 11 at 2.15pm and is part of Carlisle Cathedral’s 900-year anniversary celebrations.

The cathedral’s ‘rest under the stars’ exhibition will feature on the programme alongside a dedicated cathedral tour guide and volunteer who is still going well into his 80s.

‘It’s one of the wonderful things about working for Songs of Praise getting to visit places like Carlisle Cathedral for the first time,’ said the Reverend Bottley.

‘Carlisle is such a friendly and welcoming place; the cathedral is just glorious and there’s so many dogs!’

Songs of Praise is one of the BBC’s longest running programmes having been a firm favourite of viewers since 1961.

When asked about why Songs of Praise continues to be popular Reverend Kate said ‘the eclectic smorgasbord of theology’ that the show offers means that there’s something for everyone on the show.

Reverend Bottley added that the show ‘makes people feel warmer and helps to keep the rumour of God alive.’

Carlisle Cathedral has been celebrating its 900-year anniversary throughout 2022 with a series of events including exhibitions, lectures and a visit from the Archbishop of York.

Canon Michael Manley said 'it was great meeting Kate Bottley and the team – it was the icing on the cake to our 900th year celebrations!’

The Reverend Kate is an in-demand figure in the media, combining her work on Songs of Praise with her Good Morning, Sunday show with Jason Mohammad on BBC Radio 2.

‘It's how I like things’ said Reverend Kate when asked how she coped with her busy schedule before jokily adding ‘I’ve got to make the most of it while I can’.

‘I take my philosophy from the great theologian, Dolly Parton, when she said, ‘find out who you are and do it on purpose!’

For more information on the Cathedral’s 900-year anniversary events visit the cathedral’s website.

Read More: Carlisle Cathedral's Rest Under The Stars attracts hundreds of visitors