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Gloucester Cathedral to stage first-ever Stone Carving Festival
GLOUCESTER Cathedral is hosting its first-ever festival of stone carving.
A celebration of traditional craftsmanship and heritage, the event is taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, from Saturday, August 23 to Monday, August 25, from 10am to 3pm.
Stonemasons from across the country will gather on Cathedral Green to create carvings inspired by the theme of peace and remembrance, marking the 80th anniversary year of VE Day.
Paul Synan, senior stonemason, said: "The Stone Carving Festival is a fantastic opportunity to show people the skill and craftsmanship that goes into carving stone at Gloucester Cathedral.
"We are looking forward to welcoming carvers from around the country to try their hand at creating something truly special.
"It's an extra privilege to know their work will be sold at auction at the end of the event."
Visitors will be able to watch master craftspeople at work, including members of the cathedral's own team, and take part in hands-on activities suitable for all ages.
There will also be a selection of food stalls on the Cathedral Green, including Box Kitchen, Smokingly Good BBQ and Mumma's Meals.
The event is free to attend, with donations encouraged.
Proceeds will support the Cathedral's East Cloister Project, which aims to preserve the 14th-century medieval cloister for future generations.
After the festival, the newly carved stones—along with 12 historic stones that once formed part of the cathedral—will be auctioned online.
Details on how to take part in the auction will be announced soon.
Gloucester Cathedral has extended its thanks to the Cathedrals Workshop Fellowship, the Worshipful Company of Masons, and the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral for their support of the event.
Cathedral stonemasons have looked after the Cathedral, a Grade I listed building, since 1089, preserving aspects of it to maintain its condition and adding intricate designs to the famous structure.
Its stonemasons' team, historically known as the Workshop of St Peter, is one of only ten attached to Cathedrals in England.
The team's work is crucial to ensure the Cathedral remains in the best possible condition for generations to come, and all listed buildings around the Cathedral grounds fall under their care.
More information is available on the Gloucester Cathedral website.
