The Hereford Nativity marked the launch of Hereford Cathedral’s Year of Storytelling, a year which focuses on sharing God’s story with theatrical productions, major exhibitions and lectures.

“We’re really excited to launch the Year of Storytelling and can’t wait to see what other events and activities this year inspires. Come and join us and see where the chapters of your own story and the narrative of God’s great salvation meet.”

The Revd Canon James Pacey

Click here to view the Life & Learning programme for the Year of Storytelling.

The theme, which runs from November until Advent 2026 seeks to celebrate and share the Bible with those who aren’t familiar with God’s story and offer opportunities for those of faith to further their own understanding. The cathedral team were inspired to create the focus for the year when discussing ways in which to mark the 1350th anniversary of Hereford Diocese which takes place in 2026. As well as biblical themes there will also be events taking place which celebrate the story of faith in Hereford.

A key element of the Year of Storytelling will be the three large productions directed by The Revd Canon James Pacey. Following on from this production of The Hereford Nativity, in Lent the ‘sequel’ The Hereford Passion (Friday 6 & Saturday 7 March) returns to the cathedral following its sold out success in 2024. Portraying the crucifixion of Jesus, the powerful depiction will use words, music and action to share the story of Jesus’ final days. The final production of the series will be The Hereford Mysteries, a play which encapsulates the whole of the Bible, which will take place at the cathedral in October. 

Canon James says: “2026 marks 1350 years since the foundation of the Diocese of Hereford - a remarkable milestone that invites both celebration and reflection. As the mother church of the diocese, the cathedral seeks not only to honour our shared story, but to tell it afresh: to explore where our lives and God’s great story meet. I’m really looking forward to taking on the role of Storyteller this year and helping to bring God’s story to life in different and exciting ways.”

In the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Museum The Hereford Gospels, one of the cathedral’s greatest treasures will be on display from April to October. Shaping Early Medieval Faith: The Hereford Gospels will explore the significance of this illuminated 8th century manuscript and its importance to the community of Hereford. Alongside the exhibition, Bishop David Thomson is leading a project entitled The Gospels for Today which will produce a Hereford Gospels for the current day featuring artworks produced by individuals from across the community.

Jennifer Dumbelton, Cathedral Librarian, says: “The Hereford Gospels is a perfect centrepiece for the Year of Storytelling. Not only does it hold the stories most central to the cathedral’s faith, but as a beautiful manuscript it also inspires new stories. We hope the exhibition, events and Hereford Gospels for Today project will encourage the community to see the oldest item in the cathedral as not just an extraordinary book, but also one that is human and reflects their lives.”

Throughout the year there will also be a programme of lectures and study days, as part of the cathedral’s Life and Learning programme, for those who wish to delve deeper into the Year of Storytelling. The full programme can be found here.