We’re once again celebrating being a dog-friendly Cathedral  with the launch of the 2026 Dogs in the Cathedral Calendar.

Twelve local dogs were photographed for the calendar, which this year is a bigger, wall calendar. Models include Hazel the springer spaniel reading from the lectern, Bandit the dachshund attending a service and Shadow the Weimaraner admiring a cathedral tapestry. The calendars were printed by local firm, Premier Printers.

The idea of a dogs in the cathedral calendar was born last year, a first in the UK. This year, other cathedrals have adopted the idea but Bury St Edmunds has the honour of launching this year’s calendar after being voted the most dog-friendly town in the UK. With more pet owners now taking their dogs on holiday with them, Bury St Edmunds has developed its own dog friendly scheme to help visitors and residents easily identify where their four-legged pal is made welcome.

Marketing and Communications Manager, Catherine Rayson, who created the calendar with photography by Tom Soper Photography, said, “Last year’s Dogs in the Cathedral Calendar was a big hit, so we wanted to expand on that this year by listening to feedback and creating a wall calendar. We had such a fun time photographing this year’s models in the Cathedral and grounds.”

The calendar will be on sale in the Cathedral Shop. Copies cost £10.00. It was officially launched in the Cathedral on Thursday 2 October with a small reception with the models (pictured above).

The launch comes as Bury St Edmunds prepares to compete once again in the National DogFriendly Awards. These awards recognise establishments that go above and beyond to welcome the UK’s 12.5 million dogs and their owners, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment.

Dogs have long been welcome at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, provided they remain on a lead. Some even attend services regularly. Visitors will also find a water bowl outside the Cathedral and a warm welcome inside, where pups can expect a treat at the welcome desk.