Donate to Blackburn Cathedral Trust

Donate to Blackburn Cathedral

The Blackburn Cathedral Trust was set up to help face a number of challenges to ensure that the life of the Cathedral does not stand still but continues to serve the needs of the people of Lancashire; not only those living in Blackburn but all who live within the Diocese either of a Christian faith, another faith or of no faith.

Contrary to popular belief, the Cathedral is not funded by the Diocese or the government, but relies mainly on the church commissioners and the generosity of the congregation through the stewardship scheme. To continue to provide an outstanding environment, not only for Christian worship, but also for the many diverse cultural and inspirational activities which depend on the cathedral facilities being at the highest possible standard, we need once again to turn to the communities within Lancashire and beyond for their support.

The Trust aims to help the Cathedral build upon the successes of the recent past, which include the Lantern Tower and the rebuilding of the organ. Our work must continue, with your support, if we are to leave future generations with a cathedral that will enrich their lives.

The fundraising will be in three separate strands.
£6 million capital appeal started 2015 - £1 million raised to date.

Cathedral | Music Development | Community Work

Strand 1

Cathedral

CATHEDRAL (£2.5m): New lighting and a new sound system will improve the worship experience and capacity to host major events. Reconfiguration of the Crypt will create a conferencing facility that will bring in revenue for the Cathedral. Further re-working of the lower ground floor spaces will create additional meeting rooms, offices and a secure display area to share our precious artefacts and host travelling exhibitions. Cosmetic attention will be given to the much-loved Jesus Chapel, including step-free access, and space will be created to accommodate our growing Education Programme.

Strand 2

Music

MUSIC (£1.5m): Our Music Outreach Programme is hugely successful in encouraging children from all faiths and all economic backgrounds to engage in music. Now at capacity, we aim to build funds to secure the programme’s long-term future and expansion.

Strand 3

Community

COMMUNITY (£1.0m): In a community where almost 30% of the population is Muslim, the work of our Community Canon and Dialogue Development Officer is crucial and has been recognised nationally and internationally. Requests for dialogues and interfaith school visits have increased rapidly over the last year due to escalating race and faith tensions throughout the world, and fears of radicalisation amongst younger generations. With current funding due to expire at the end of the year, we are aiming to create an endowment to guarantee this important work for the future.

The remaining £1 million of funding will provide a £500,000 endowment for Cathedral Fabric and £500,000 towards completing the finishing touches to Cathedral Court.