We were warned that they might stay silent until Easter.
So it was a wonderful surprise for York to hear the Minster bells chime out for Christmas this evening (Thursday).
Worshippers attending the traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols at York Minster arrived to the sound of the cathedral’s bells ringing out across the city.
A team of experienced ringers from Yorkshire had kindly offered to support the Minster’s and the city’s festive celebrations.
Pleased to welcome so many to the first 9 Lessons as the bells ring out over York. Carols start in around 40 mins! pic.twitter.com/M6tRYgirKY
— York Minster (@York_Minster) December 22, 2016
They pealed the bells to welcome people to one of the cathedral’s best loved and most popular services of the Christmas season.
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, said:
The Yorkshire ringers stepped in after the Minster dismissed its long-standing group of bell ringers over safeguarding issues.
That decision has led to a robust exchange of views between the society of ringers and the Dean and Chapter – and made headlines around the world.