A special programme of events and services will mark the 40th anniversary of the York Minster fire, it was announced today (Tuesday).
In the early hours of Monday 9 July 1984, York Minster was struck by lightning – starting a blaze that would destroy the roof of the South Transept, and be remembered as one of the worst cathedral fires of modern times.
The Minster will commemorate 40 years since the blaze with a series of events, including a dazzling light show and a new exhibition.
A brand new sound and light projection, Phoenix, will illuminate the cathedral from Saturday 19 October – Saturday 2 November, timed to coincide with the autumn half term.
Visitors can discover the story of the 1984 fire through a new exhibition ‘Out of the Ashes’, which begins on Saturday 29 June.
There will also be a new digital trail and special guided tours – the full programme is below.
The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said: “In the summer of 1984, people watched in horror as flames consumed the roof of the South Transept, but – not for the first time in its existence – the cathedral survived this fierce fire, and continues to offer that message of resurrection within and well beyond the city, diocese and county we are called to serve.
“I hope you will join us this year as we mark this significant anniversary.”
Full programme
A Service of Commemoration to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1984 fire
Tuesday 9 July, 5pm
York Minster will host a service of Choral Evensong which will include special prayers and readings, as well as a sermon by the Archbishop of York.
The Choir of York Minster, led by Robert Sharpe, Director of Music, will perform a selection of reflective music. All are welcome to attend, no booking is required.
New exhibition – Out of the Ashes
Saturday 29 June – 1 June 2025
The exhibition journeys through the dramatic events of 9 July 1984, when the roof of the South Transept was struck by lightning. It details the heroic rescue efforts, clean-up operation and four-year restoration using eye witness accounts.
See fire damaged furniture that survived the blaze and images from York Minster’s archive, including original drawings for six roof bosses designed by Blue Peter competition winners.
Visitors will also have the chance to explore other major fires in York Minster’s history and find out more about restoration and conservation today.
Entry to the exhibition is included with a general admission ticket.
New trail – On This Spot
Saturday 29 June – Saturday 30 November 2024
Stand in the footsteps of those who saw the 1984 fire and its aftermath by following a new digital-visual trail – On this Spot.
Scan QR codes placed in and around the cathedral to unlock dramatic archive photos revealing the shocking events of 9 July 1984. Each stop on the trail will include chance for reflection and prayer.
Entry to the trail is included with a general admission ticket.
Fire anniversary guided tours
Saturday 29 June – Monday 30 September 2024
Throughout the summer months, York Minster’s expert volunteer tour guides will explore the cathedral’s rich history, with a special focus on the 1984 fire. Visitors can choose from a York Minster Guided Tour, Stained Glass Tour, or Family-Friendly Discovery Tour.
Guided tours are included with a general admission ticket, subject to availability.
New light show – Phoenix
Saturday 19 October – Saturday 2 November.
Experience York Minster in a new light this autumn when the cathedral is illuminated with Phoenix, a brand-new sound and light projection.
The story of the 1984 fire is not just one of damage caused to one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, but also a story of bravery, resilience, and determination to rebuild. Phoenix will commemorate the bravery of those that responded to the fire, celebrating the resilience of York Minster and the people of York through their own words, in the very place where it happened.
Phoenix is a major new projection mapping and sound installation by award-winning artists Ross Ashton and Karen Monid which will transform the nave of York Minster.
The installation is mapped on the architecture to bring the ancient building to life. Ashton and Monid also created ‘Northern Lights’ in 2019 and ‘Platinum and Light’ in 2022, two spectacular installations which attracted tens of thousands of people to the cathedral.
Tickets priced at £7.50 will go on sale on Tuesday 9 July. The event will help raise funds for the continuing restoration of the cathedral’s fabric.
There’s more about the 1984 commemoration programme on the York Minster website.