Enjoy the simple things at Lichfield Cathedral this summer

Continuing the yearlong theme of 'your cathedral ', Lichfield Cathedral is hosting a whole programme of activities and events during the summer of 2022.

The theme for the year puts emphasis on the people who visit the cathedral and the city.

In doing so, the cathedral hope to support families who are choosing to take 'staycations ' this year with factors such as the cost-of-living and travel disruptions in play.

Lichfield Cathedral has made it its mission to help everyone appreciate and enjoy the simple things in life through its summer programme suitable for all the family.

The Very Rev 'd Adrian Dorber, dean of Lichfield, said: “We 're going to do some surprising things;

“As Britain 's most landlocked Cathedral, we want to bring an unfamiliar landscape to Lichfield - a beach on the West Front.

We know there 's something wonderful about having your feet on the beach. It 's deeply relaxing just to have the time to sit in a deckchair and feel the sun on your face. Our invitation is to come to a sacred place but come and relax and be playful. The beach will be open daily and, as everyone 's cash continues to be squeezed, I 'm delighted that it will be free. ”

From 22 July until 31 August the beach will be installed at the cathedral.

This will give visitors the opportunity to visit a beach 100 miles from the sea without getting on a plane. Alongside the beach will be a varied programme of daily activities, deckchairs to while away the time and refreshments on offer.

An 8m-high climbing wall will also be at the cathedral on every Saturday - 23, 30 July, 6, 13, 20 August. People can either book in advance or turn up on the day from 10am - 4pm. For bookings and more information: www.lichfield-cathedral.org/climb

“There 's also the question of how to occupy children and young people in the summer, ” Dean Dorber continues. “We hope lots of people of all ages can come enjoy themselves, take in the beauty of this place, and share in God 's playfulness and delight in the simple things. ”

There will also be plenty for the kids to do, with a week of free children 's activities from 13 August and, a weeklong summer school on 22-26 August - a joint venture with Lichfield Cathedral School. To book onto the summer school and for more information contact: [email protected].

With Lichfield Cathedral 's thanks, the beach is made possible due to the support of Lichfield District Council and Lichfield BID and is sponsored by Friel Homes.

The Leader of Lichfield District Council, Councillor Doug Pullen, said: “The Cathedral 's beach is set to be a very popular visitor attraction over the summer, and we are delighted to support it.

“If you can 't get to the seaside, it will offer the perfect opportunity to kick your shoes off and relax with family and friends with the sand between your toes.

“I look forward to visiting the beach and hope people will enjoy themselves at this fantastic holiday facility outside our beautiful Cathedral. ”

Find out more: www.lichfield-cathedral.org/beach or sign up for the Cathedral 's newsletter to get the information in advance, including priority booking for events.