Spring events season to celebrate Commonwealth
Friday, 10th January 2025
Westminster Abbey will celebrate its special links to the Commonwealth with a series of events running throughout the spring.
The Commonwealth is an association of 56-member states with a combined population of 2.5 billion citizens, almost a third of the world's people. Commonwealth countries span Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific and are diverse – they are amongst the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries.
Commonwealth Festival
Among the highlights will be the Commonwealth Festival on Saturday 22nd February that will explore the rich cultural tapestry of the Commonwealth. The festival will feature performances from musicians and dancers from around the Commonwealth, including African drumming, Kuchipudi dancing and a steel pan band.
Tours, talks and discussions
Throughout the season there will be a chance to engage in numerous talks and discussions. On Saturday 1st March, Deirdre Osborne and Kadija Sesay will showcase the work of writers from around the Commonwealth. Together, they will highlight a mix of well-known and overlooked voices who explore what it is to be human from a wealth of different perspectives.
On Tuesday 25th February the Abbey’s Organist and Master of the Choristers, Andrew Nethsingha, will be in conversation with British baritone and composer, Roderick Williams.
A series of monthly lunchtime talks launching on Wednesday 12th February when Professor Philip Murphy from the University of London traces the imperial origins of the organisation now known as the Commonwealth. On Wednesday 12th March Professor Chandrika Kaul from the University of St Andrews will explore the relationship between British Royalty and India during the Raj.
Among the other highlights will be Commonwealth tours and Commonwealth family tours; Memorial of the Month talks; activities for families and children; art and craft activities; and storytelling events.
The season will draw to a close mid-March.
The Abbey and the Commonwealth
The Abbey has long had a close association with the Commonwealth. Each year, on the second Monday of March, a special service held here celebrates the people and cultures of all of the Commonwealth nations. Throughout the year, Commonwealth High Commissioners are invited to Evensong in the Abbey to mark their country’s national day.
