It was a great joy and privilege for St John’s to host this year’s annual Civic Service. A large congregation assembled to take part in this act of worship. The prayers were led by the Dean of St John’s and the Dean of Norwich Cathedral. The lessons were read by the Vice-Chancellor of the University and the new Lord Mayor. Canon Dr John Armson gave the address. The cathedral choir sang music by Britten, Howard Goodall and Richard Shephard and the congregation sang the hymns with enthusiasm. 

This year the processions, while representative of the city’s civic, legal and academic bodies, were simplified. This decision was taken by the Lord Mayor’s office, not by the Dean of St John’s.

The venue for this year’s service was a reminder to the city and the county that Norwich has two cathedrals, each of them a worthy setting for such a prestigious occasion.

Ends