Westminster Abbey Choir

Evensong at Westminster is definitely worth attending. Westminster is not a Catholic church; it's Anglican. We attended Evensong last summer, and I think it was at 5:00. See the calendar on their website for times and music. Those who arrive earliest will be able to sit in the choir area. We sat nearby. The music is wonderful. Listening to the music and thinking of the history that has taken place there is just a remarkable experience. I'm not certain of what you mean when you say "dress up," but attendees do dress nicely as if attending any church service. No shorts, tank tops, etc.

Oh my mistake, I was thinking Eveningsong was primarily a catholic service. My dress up inquiry was primarily aimed at whether I could attend in my normal clothes (i.e. nice jeans and a collared shirt) or if I should dress as if attending a church service (which you answered).

Thanks for the info.

Evensong or the afternoon concerts is open to anyone. You do not have to dress up. You can go in your jeans. Tourists are out and at the church at just the "right time" so they go in and have a wonderful experience listening to the music.
My husband and I were in Bath at the cathedral for two concerts. (One at 3 pm and the other one in the evening). The pipe organ music was absolutely breathtaking. The evening program was so moving as we (the congregation) sang a couple hymns.
Yes, it is worth going. You need a few moments from your busy day to sit and relax and "be still" to take in all that you've seen and heard. If you want to sit in the choir, make sure you will be able to see the choir members. At one of our experiences, it would have been better if we had sat down on the main floor. We sat across from other travelers and did not see the choir singing. Go and enjoy the experience of being in a huge cathedral with all the music surrounding you and relaxing you after a busy day of sightseeing.!!

"Evensong or the afternoon concerts is open to anyone"

Choral Evensong is a religious service not a concert and you will be expected to participate. It's really just a matter of respect.

A link explaining the basic service is below. On significant holy days there will be variations in the length of service and the music sung. Also when the cathedral choir schools are on holiday, visiting choirs from other churches will sing at the services.

http://www.churchmusic.org.uk/reference/evensong.php

You will also find evensong sung at St Pauls and some of the other smaller churches in London.

We tried for an Evensong at Westminster Abbey and ended up there on an evening that it was Evening Prayer instead. We were dressed in our touring clothes - possibly jeans, and were led up to sit in the Quire (choir) for the service and everyone - perhaps 20-30 people who mostly looked like tourists - participated. It was easy to follow along, and what a sense of history I had sitting up there - wow. I think participating in a service is the best way to experience a church, but then I am very active in my church here too. I think we set a record for most time spent there by a tourist because we had already spent hours there before the service, but it is a special memory.

If anyone wants to hear what Choral Evensong sounds like before they go, here is a link to BBC radio. They broadcast a live service from churches, in London and elsewhere in the country, every afternoon on their "Radio 3" channel.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006tp7r

I understand the Evensong service at St. Martin's in the Field church is also exceptional. They also host lots of concerts- both religious and some secular/classical.

We were in London last month, and we never travel with dress clothes. We attended Sunday morning service in out jeans and tennis shoes and were welcomed and were among others dressed like us. It seemed to be more tourists then members, except for the choir. It was less than an hour and a great experience. You mostly sit, stand , or read along with others-no kneeling.We were glad we went! Nancy

Nancy: It is pleasant to hear that you attended a service in Westminster Abbey and enjoyed it so much. I am wondering, however, if in your home town/city you would attend your own church on a Sunday in jeans & tennis shoes. Would you look askance at a visitor to your church who did so?

Norma, I too am used to dressing up a little for church, but I don't bring dress clothes when I travel. At the Catholic church I attend here in Austin it seems like at least 1/3 of the church members are dressed in nice jeans, and nice top. I plan on attending at least 1 or 2 services in England on my next trip, and while I won't wear jeans I will wear my 1 pair of "nice" hiking shoes.