The Cathedral Church of St Philips: A friend and a partner
Written by the Birmingham Cathedral
Birmingham Cathedral was once described as ‘the place where the world meets.’
It is well justified, as each day a footfall of more than 20,000 people pass through Cathedral Square (sometimes called Pigeon Park!).
The Cathedral can be found in the largest green space in the city centre and benefits from its close proximity to world-class art and architecture. It represents a unique setting, that provides a welcome refuge for people wishing to have a moments escape.
Throughout most of its 300 year history, Birmingham Cathedral has been at the centre of local trade and community life.
Today, the Cathedral is keen to bring local business people together and to get them thinking and talking about things that matter. It also wants to see businesses succeed, as that makes communities stronger and adds to their overall wellbeing. Increasingly, it sees the need to foster a greater sense of co-operation and connection across Birmingham.
As the Reverend Andy Delmege, canon missioner at the Cathedral commented: “I know that there is a great deal of goodwill and civic pride amongst the Birmingham business community, but this may not seem obvious, because business people are too hard at work doing their jobs!
“The distance and isolation they may feel is exacerbated by the internet and email, and of course working from home. If the Cathedral can bring people together to enjoy networking and sharing experiences that can only be a good thing”.
St Philips is open to all kinds of collaborations and partnerships. It became a registered charity in 2023 and this has allowed it to think more widely about how it serves and supports the diverse communities of Birmingham.
This new found flexibility has led to the development of close working relationships with local charities such as Lets Feed Brum, Shower Box, QE Hospital Hep C Testing, and St Basils.
Business links already include sponsoring the visitor experience, hosting corporate dinners, and being the elite venue for company carol concerts. There are four main areas within the Cathedral’s operations where there is scope for business engagement, as a supporter, sponsor or donor:
Music
The choir and organ add beauty to services and lift the hearts of those singing and those who listen. Cathedral choristers come from many different schools, and their diversity reflects the diversity of Birmingham.
Singing with the Cathedral Choir offers children a unique musical and educational opportunity. Boys are recruited into the Cathedral Choir from Year 3 and girls from Year 5.
Education
Every year, the education team engages with thousands of children and young people in a wide range of formats - school tours, themed tours and workshops. They come to absorb the Cathedral’s atmosphere, and explore features of its history. It makes for a special learning landscape.
The arts
Artwork commissions and exhibitions in and around the Cathedral help to enhance its role and reputation, as a flagship cultural venue.
Fabric
All our many visitors deserve a first-class stimulating and immersive experience. This is made possible by the care and attention afforded to one of the truly great buildings of the West Midlands, which includes four beautiful stained glass windows, designed by Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones.
You may wish to visit the Cathedral or perhaps have a private tour. Whatever your preference, please come and see for yourself. The building is open every day of the year and choral singing can be heard on 2 or 3 occasions each week in school term times and of course at no charge.
Please would you contact our Events Coordinator, Rose Lawrence, by messaging events@birminghamcathedral.com to express your interest.