25 Jun 2026
Music filled St Albans Cathedral as a royal guest joined celebrations marking 30 years of inspiring musicians.
The Duchess of Gloucester attended a St Albans Cathedral Music Trust celebratory choristers’ recital in the Lady Chapel, alongside trustees, supporters, choristers and members of the wider community.
Chair of the Trust, Dr Lionel Wallace, said: “It was a huge privilege to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester to St Albans Cathedral as we celebrate this important milestone in the Trust’s history.
“For 30 years, the Music Trust has worked to protect and strengthen the Cathedral’s outstanding musical tradition while creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience the transformative power of music.
“This celebration was not only about reflecting on what has been achieved over the past three decades, but also about looking ahead with ambition and confidence as we continue to support excellence, inclusion and outreach through music.”
The Duchess has long supported organisations connected with music and the arts, making the visit particularly significant for the Trust as it celebrates this milestone anniversary.
Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Lionel; the Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans; William Fox, director of Music; and Dewi Rees, assistant director of music.
The recital showcased the talent and dedication of the choristers and included a short speech from chorister Adam Davis.
Following the performance, The Duchess met trustees and choristers before cutting a commemorative cake at a reception marking the milestone occasion.
The anniversary celebrations come as the Trust continues its Excellence for Everyone campaign, which aims to raise more than £2.75 million by 2030 to secure the future of choral music and widen access to musical opportunities for communities across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
Dr Wallace added: “Music has the power to inspire, comfort and unite people across generations. As we celebrate 30 years of the Music Trust, we are proud to support a tradition that remains such an important part of the Cathedral’s life and mission.”
For more information on the work of the Trust, visit: https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/music-trust
