St Edmundsbury Cathedral have appointed a new Canon Precentor, The Reverend Canon Katy Cunliffe.

Katy is presently Incumbent of Holy Trinity, Shaw, Incumbent of St Mary High Crompton and St James, Thornham, Assistant Priest of East Crompton St James with St Saviour and an Honorary Canon of Manchester Cathedral in the diocese of Manchester.

Katy says of her new appointment, “I am delighted to have been appointed as Canon Precentor at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. I have been inspired by the Cathedral’s commitment to welcome, inclusion and hospitality, to justice and sustainability, and by the impressive work of the music department. Whilst I will be sad to leave my parishes behind, I am excited to be joining the team at St Edmundsbury Cathedral and look forward to playing my part in providing opportunities for everyone to participate in the worship of God in such a wonderful place.”

As Precentor, Katy will lead the oversight, planning and direction of the Cathedral’s daily round of worship and special services. She will also oversee the music department, the Director of Music and choirs as well as working with the verger team on maintaining the beautiful cathedral buildings and ensuring them for generations to come.

Katy will be Licensed and Installed by The Right Revd Graeme Knowles (Acting Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich from 1 March), at St Edmundsbury Cathedral on Sunday 1 June 2025.

The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury, said, “We’re thrilled that Katy is joining the team here at St Edmundsbury and although the appointment of women in leadership roles should be so commonplace it’s no longer news, there is significance in her joining a proud tradition of precentors at this Cathedral. We look forward to welcoming her to the St Edmundsbury community in June.”

This appointment is subject to completion of legal formalities.