Worcester Cathedral sees record visitor numbers in 2023

Worcester Cathedral's present building dates back to 1084

Worcester Cathedral has revealed it had a record number of visitors in 2023.

About 180,000 people visited the cathedral last year, an additional 30,000 visitors when compared with 2022.

More than 62,000 people attended the venue's Christmas Tree festival in December, a spokesperson said.

Up to 135 schools, charities, businesses and organisations took part in the festivities.

The historic building, which dates back to 1084, also hosted a crib service on Christmas Eve which featured flocks of real sheep.

The cathedral launched a Christmas appeal in November, aimed at raising funds to keep it open amid "increasing financial hardship".

About £15,716 had so far been raised from donations, the spokesperson added.

Canon Stephen Edwards thanked supporters for their donations and said staff were "absolutely delighted" to welcome so many visitors over Christmas.

"It was an absolutely joyous year with more visitors, trees, carols and services than ever," he said.

"Thank you to the whole community who came to celebrate Christmas 2023 here in this historic and sacred space."