St Mary’s & the Minster team up to bring “Giant Advent Calendar” to Beverley this December

Kiel, Schleswig Holstein, Germany – Christmas background in variable depth of field.
Royal Mail’s 1974 commemorative set of Christmas stamps featuring roof bosses including the Adoration of the Magi (York Minster, c 1355) and the Nativity (St Helens Church, Norwich, c 1480). St Mary’s Church Beverley boasts an extraordinary collection of 637 medieval and Tudor roof bosses.

A “Giant Advent Calendar” will adorn the hoarding up at both Beverley Minster and St Mary’s this December.

Beverley’s two great churches – both of which are undergoing urgent restoration – have joined forces for this major community arts project which will see people from across the area decorating the wooden boards that will form the 25 squares in the huge outdoors Advent calendar at each site.

Every day, from December 1st – 25th, a new colourful square will be added to the walls of the construction sites. The collaborative activity is part of the Minster’s Sanctuary project, and St Mary’s Curious Carvings project, both of which are generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The south side of St Mary’s carpeted in snow. This is the side of the church which will feature the Giant Advent Calendar.

In medieval times, the Minster granted sanctuary to people who were in fear of their lives. The Nativity, and Mary & Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, is one of the most famous stories of sanctuary. St Mary’s church is home to over 600 medieval and Tudor carvings. These carvings can be found in the ceiling throughout the building and are known as roof bosses. Among the bosses we find many subjects that will appear in our advent calendar, including kings, angels and lots of different animals.

It is hoped that the Giant Advent Calendar will bring some seasonal cheer and hope, after what has been a very difficult year and during what will be a very different festive season.

More information will be announced soon.



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