Oxford National Gathering

Join us in the City of Dreaming Spires!

We are thrilled to welcome you to Oxford for our National Gathering, 6–8 March 2026! This special weekend will be packed with unforgettable experiences, including visits to the three Choral Foundations (New, Magdalen, and Christ Church) and other college chapels, a rare chance to see original Taverner Part Books, and a special Three Choirs Evensong featuring music exclusively by living composers, followed by our Gathering Dinner.

The weekend begins Friday afternoon at 1:30pm and concludes after evensong on Sunday (around 7pm). All events will take place within Oxford’s central colleges and historic sites.

There are flexible ticket options sold per event or day session, so you can choose parts of the weekend that suit you best. Some events have limited capacity, so we recommend booking early to secure your place.

Friday Day & Evening Events

1.30pm: Arrival & Registration, Merton College

2pm: Welcome & Organ Recital with Ben Nicholas, Director of Music

3.15pm: Cake & Reception

4pm: Tour of Merton College & Library

Break for own Dinner in Oxford

6pm: Evensong (Queen’s College Chapel – capacity is limited, so see below for times and details of other evensong options)

7.45pm: Drinks Reception at Merton College

8.15pm: Concert in Merton College Chapel by Choir of Merton College (lasting approx an hour).

Saturday – Day & Evening Events

9.15am: Choristers’ rehearsal (Christ Church Cathedral)

10am-12pm: Group tours of Christ Church Cathedral & exclusive Library Exhibition (Taverner Part Books)

12pm: Optional Organ Recital at Magdalen College (George Balfour, Senior Organ Scholar at Christ Church Cathedral)

2pm: Talk by Prof. Robert Quinney (Director of Music, New College)

3pm: Tea & Biscuits

5.40pm: Three Choirs Evensong (featuring music by living composers) at Christ Church Cathedral

6.55pm: Drinks Reception

7.30pm: Three Course Dinner Formal Hall (Christ Church Hall)

Sunday – Morning & Afternoon Event

11am: Eucharist at Magdalen College Chapel

12.30pm: Light Lunch (Magdalen College)

2pm: Either afternoon walking tour around Oxford or University Church tour with optional Tower Climb

3.30pm: Farewell Reception

4.30pm: Open Rehearsal at New College Chapel

5.30pm: Evensong at New College Chapel

Booking Information

• Limited spaces: Certain events (e.g. Queen’s College Evensong) have restricted capacity – availability is on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Other Friday Evensong Timings: Christ Church Cathedral: 6.05pm (no organ), New College: 6.15pm, Magdalen College: 6.00pm (lower voices only), Exeter College: 6.15pm
• Flexible attendance: You can combine tickets across different days or events to create your own schedule.
• Accessibility: Please contact us in advance if you have specific requirements. Please note: there are roadworks east of Oxford Train Station that are only passable on foot, so do plan accordingly when booking your accommodation.