Great Joy as New Centenary Vestments Unveiled
Blackburn Cathedral was bathed in glorious colour as new vestments - commissioned for the centenary and designed by acclaimed British textile artist Margo Selby - were unveiled.
All eyes were on Blackburn Cathedral as invited guests awaited their first glimpse of the highly anticipated new vestments. The twelve garments were processed by members of clergy from across the diocese who slowly made their way into the Nave before assembling on the steps of the Sanctuary.
As the Cathedral glowed in liturgical colours, their arrival was met with rapturous applause from all those in attendance who joined together to celebrate the completion of this special centenary project.
The Revd Canon Andrew Horsfall, Interim Dean of Blackburn, welcomed guests with a moving speech that perfectly encapsulated how the garments on display are woven into the very fabric of our Cathedral.
Vestments are so much more than cloth and thread. Every stitch carries a prayer. Every colour tells a story of seasons observed, of sacraments celebrated, of faithful lives offered in service to God and to this community.
They have been worn at baptisms and burials, at weddings and ordinations, at great festivals and quiet weekday Eucharists, present at the moments that have shaped countless lives, and witness to a century of this Cathedral community’s joys, its sorrows, and its steadfast worship.
Designer Margo Selby then thanked the Cathedral for the opportunity to work on the project and the wider Cathedral community for their support before adding:
The Centenary Vestments mark our most prestigious commission to date. We are really grateful for the opportunity to make these cherised garments. We have spent significant time learning new skills in heritage techniques tomake garments where every element is handwoven and handmade and we are really proud of the outcome.
It was important that the garments reflected the quality of the historical pieces we have researched, as well as demonstrating the design aesthetic we are recognised for as a studio.
Speaking on behalf of the Friends of Blackburn Cathedral, Paul Mason thanked Margo and her team for their vision, skills and creativity before providing an overview of the ways to get involved and to support the work of the charity, adding:
This project is a wonderful way to celebrate the centenary – as we look back with gratitude and forward with hope. These items will be worn during the most precious moments in the life of our community and we are delighted to have been able to bring the project to fruition.
The support of The Friends, matched by Margo and her team’s creativity, has created something special for now and for future generations.
Before the new vestments were blessed there was a memorable performance of ‘Oh Love’ by the Youth Choir, directed by Helen Davies and accompanied by Director of Music John Robinson.
Representatives of Cathedral congregation, the Friends and the designers then offered the vestments to be blessed by the Right Revd. Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, who led guests in a special prayer:
Almighty, eternal God, who commanded that vestments be fashioned for the honour of your name, that those who minister might stand fittingly before you in worship: in your goodness heed our prayer.
Through our humble ministration bless these garments, and pour out your grace upon them; that they may be vestments henceforth, blessed for use in the sacred ceremonies of your worship.
As your bishops, priests and deacons wear these vestments in your service, grant them strength against temptation, steadfastness in holiness of life, and joy in obedience; that they may worship you worthily and well, and give themselves wholly to your praise and the care of your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Speaking at the event Canon Horsfall said:
In every piece of cloth, the warp runs strong and true, those fixed threads, anchored and constant, bearing the tension of the whole. Then through them passes the weft, back and forth, row upon row, building something beautiful.
So it is with the people of God.
The warp is God’s own faithfulness, unbreakable, stretched across all time. We are the weft, each generation threading through, interlacing with those before and those yet to come. No single thread makes the cloth, but no thread is without its place.
Alongside our historic vestments, we are today privileged to unveil new pieces, made possible through the remarkable generosity of the Friends of Blackburn Cathedral and the stunning skill and creativity of Margo and her Team.
The loom has not fallen silent. God is still weaving.
May what you see today delight your eyes, stir your hearts, and remind you that you too are part of this pattern, thread upon thread, life upon life, grace upon grace.
Fabric of Faith Exhibition
The display of the new centenary vestments are a stunning climax to the Fabric of Faith exhibition which explores how faith is woven in to everyday life through the display of a range of historic vestments taken from the Cathedral archives. It also explores the theology of religious clothing and the importance of textiles to our region.
The exhibition runs until 24th April 2026.
The Friends of Blackburn Cathedral
The commission of new centenary vestments has been made possible through the generous support of the Friends of Blackburn Cathedral. It is a fitting celebration of Blackburn Cathedral’s first hundred years, and a vibrant expression of its continuing life and ministry.
The Friends of Blackburn Cathedral exists to raise funds that improve facilities and enhance the fabricof your Cathedral.
For more than fifty years they have enthusiastically sought beautiful and practical ways to enhance, beautify, and support the Cathedral through a wide range of activities. The Friends warmly invite contributions from members, worshippers and anyone who values the Cathedral’s life and witness. Every gift, large or small, will help support this special centenary project.
You can learn more, join the Friends and pledge your support at: fobc.info
Friends of Blackburn Cathedral is a charity registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. Charity Number: 1047234.
Blackburn Cathedral Centenary: 1926-2026
This event was one of a number of flagship events taking place during 2026, our Centenary year.
Learn more about our Centenary celebrations and see how you can get involved.
