St Edmundsbury Cathedral has announced a series of events and activities throughout 2025 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its iconic Millennium Tower. Completed in 2005, the 150-foot tower stands as a testament to modern craftsmanship and was coined ‘a spiritual beacon for the new millennium’ by project patron, HRH Prince Charles (now His Majesty King Charles III).

Tower 20 celebrations include:

Millennium Tower 20th Anniversary Exhibition

From June 16 to July 6, visitors can explore an exhibition showcasing original designs, the people who built the tower, and the history behind the tower’s construction. Open daily during Cathedral visiting hours and free to visit.

Evensong Celebrating 20 Years of the Millennium Tower

On June 22 at 3:30 pm, a special Evensong service will commemorate the tower’s anniversary, coinciding with West Suffolk Council’s annual Civic Service. All are welcome to attend the service, especially anyone who worked on the tower.

Cathedral Choirs Summer Concert

The full choral forces of St Edmundsbury Cathedral join together to celebrate the Cathedral’s choral tradition on Saturday 5 July at 6.00 pm. The programme features a new piece written by Sarah Cattley to mark the 20^th anniversary of the Tower, alongside choral favourites.

Raising the Tower: Behind the Build

On Friday 4 July at 2.00 pm and Saturday 5 July at 10.00 am, join Horry Parsons, the original Project Manager of the tower build, for an exclusive talk and guided climb, providing insights into the tower’s construction process.

To the Top: Climb the Millennium Tower

Between July 12 and July 22, shorter 45-minute climbs offer visitors the chance to ascend the tower and learn about its construction from knowledgeable guides. These climbs have proved so popular, they are already sold out but visitors are encouraged to check for cancellations.

EACH Charity Cathedral Tower Abseil

On August 16, brave participants can abseil 80 feet from the Cathedral tower to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). This unique event offers an adrenaline-packed experience for a good cause.

Art on the Garth

Come and create your own masterpiece of the magnificent Cathedral Tower, no matter your artistic ability. Sessions for beginners, families and established artists are available on Friday 8 August.

Tower Tours 2025

Throughout the year, visitors can experience the Cathedral from a new perspective with guided Tower Tours available on select dates from until October. Climb 202 steps to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Bury St Edmunds.

LEGO® Cathedral Project

The LEGO Cathedral now has over 150,000 bricks placed. Work has now started on the tower and to celebrate it’s real-life anniversary, visitors can ‘buy one, get one free’ on brick donations. The aim is to complete the LEGO tower this summer.

Visitor Experience Manager, Sarah Friswell, says of the programme of events, “There’s really something for everyone with our tower celebrations, from tours to art to LEGO! Whether you’re a local or a tourist, we really encourage you to visit your Cathedral this summer and marvel in just what a feat of architecture and building our wonderful tower is.”

For more information on all the events listed, visit www.stedscathedral.org/whats-on