Lichfield Cathedral is about much more than its remarkable history and famous three spires. Throughout the year, this magnificent building hosts an ever-changing programme of music, exhibitions, talks and special events alongside its regular worship and choral programme.
Here are some of the highlights currently confirmed for October 2026:
Thursday 1 October – The Music of Luther Vandross: The Candlelight Concert – 7.30pm
October gets underway with an atmospheric candlelight concert celebrating the music of Luther Vandross. The Cathedral provides a spectacular backdrop for an evening dedicated to his much-loved music.
Friday 2–Sunday 4 October – Enlighten
A fascinating weekend of talks and conversations comes to the Cathedral with Enlighten, featuring speakers exploring history, culture, faith and contemporary issues.
Highlights include former Home Secretary Alan Johnson discussing Harold Wilson on Friday evening, Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, Sir Simon Jenkins and Jonathan Dimbleby on Saturday, followed by Anne Sebba and other speakers on Sunday.
Until Sunday 4 October – We Are Staffordshire: Stitched for Staffordshire
October offers a final opportunity to see this exhibition before it closes on 4 October. Visitors can combine a look around the exhibition with time spent discovering the Cathedral itself.
Saturday 10 October–Monday 23 November – Threads through the Cross
A spectacular large-scale textile exhibition by acclaimed artist Jacqui Parkinson arrives at Lichfield Cathedral. Eighteen monumental textile panels – each nearly three metres tall – use silk, paint, metallic leather and gold leaf to tell the story of Jesus's life, death and resurrection.
On Saturday 10 October, Jacqui Parkinson will also lead special tours of the exhibition at 11am and 4pm. Entry to the exhibition itself is by donation.
Thursday 15 October – The Drifters: Candlelight Concert – 7.30pm
The legendary Drifters perform inside Lichfield Cathedral surrounded by candlelight. Audiences can expect classics including Saturday Night at the Movies, Under the Boardwalk and many more favourites.
Friday 16 October – B*Witched Live – 7.45pm
It's time for a little 90s nostalgia as B*Witched perform a special seated concert inside the Cathedral. Expect some of the group's biggest hits, including C'est La Vie, Rollercoaster and Blame It on the Weatherman.
Visitors don't necessarily need a concert ticket to enjoy Lichfield Cathedral. It remains a fascinating place to explore during regular sightseeing hours, with centuries of history, beautiful architecture, treasures and stories waiting to be discovered.
Music also remains at the heart of Cathedral life. During term time, visitors can experience the Cathedral Choir at Choral Eucharist at 10.30am on Sundays, as well as Choral Evensong at 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday and 3.30pm on Sundays.
There are also activities including Library Tours, Poppy Stitch sessions and other tours on selected dates, making it worth checking the full calendar when planning a visit.
Whether it's an atmospheric candlelight concert, contemporary textile art, an evening of live pop music or simply an autumn visit to this remarkable building, there are plenty of reasons to discover what’s on in Lichfield this October.
Please note: As Lichfield Cathedral is a working place of worship, sightseeing hours and access can sometimes change because of services, funerals and special events. Event times and availability can also change. Visitors should always check the Cathedral's official What's On calendar before travelling and book ticketed events in advance where required.
Venue: Lichfield Cathedral, The Close, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7LD
Telephone: 01543 306 100
Image courtesy of Best of Lichfield