We are interested in attending Evensong at King's Chapel on either Good Friday (29 March) or on Easter (31 March). However, we haven't been to Cambridge before and wish to see both the town and university. Am I right that more will be open on Good Friday? Will it be possible to see St. Johns and other colleges, the various museums, etc.? I assume that it will probably not be the best weather for punting, correct?
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Lake District, England
8136 posts
I would be very surprised indeed if there was Evensong on Good Friday. Most Churches have no service, or at best quiet said services which are very plain, between 3pm on Good Friday (the moment that Jesus was crucified) until the Great Vigil of Easter Eve.
From a Liturgical point of view it is just not appropriate.
During that 33 hour period from 3pm Friday to midnight Saturday the Church is in desolation, a period of profound mourning.
EDIT- On looking at the college service list they are doing Evensong that evening- entirely in plainsong and around the Lamentations of Jeremiah. Reading the music list the service looks pretty monastic in style, quite different to a "normal" style of Evensong.
If in plainsong there is unlikely to be organ accompaniment.
There is also a concert that evening, to be broadcast live on Radio 3.
For all we know we could have an Easter heatwave- it does happen- and could be ideal punting weather.