Worcester - Cathedral

The chapterhouse is one of the earliest examples of vaulting borne on a single central pillar. The original circular construction dates from 1150, it gained its decagonal exterior in about 1400. The principal relic of the monastic buildings is the refectory, a large hall with a Norman crypt under it. It is now used as the hall of the King's School, which was founded in 1541.

The crypt of Worcester Cathedral (1084-1092), a relic of the Norman cathedral, has 50 elegant pillars. Here as in the cloister (Perpendicular) the vault has fine bosses. The Tree of Jesse, and angels praying to Mary and her child are portrayed in the cloister.

Founded in 1712, the Three Choirs Festival is the oldest European music festival, it runs for one week in late August. The festival takes place in Worcester every third year, and travels to Gloucester and Hereford during the other two.

The three choirs refer to those of the three cities and the highlights of the festival are performances by the three groups together. The joint choir often numbers over 300 and performs a varied repertoire, from classical to contemporary to gospel.

The program also includes orchestral, choral, chamber and organ concerts, recitals and fringe events by other international choirs and orchestras.

There are daily events, all of which take place at the Worcester Cathedral.