Opening Service
Priory 900, the festival celebrating 900 years since the foundation of Bridlington Priory with support from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, enjoyed a successful and promising launch this weekend. John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, presided at the atmospheric communion service for Palm Sunday, which was attended by over 400 people.
The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, and Priory 900 co-ordinator Penelope Weston. Photo by Mike Barnard.
Launch of Priory 900
After the service, attendees were invited to ‘try and buy’ the Wold Top Brewery’s Priory 900 beer, which was specially made for the occasion to acknowledge the brewing tradition in the area. Positive comments and a buzz of activity around the table where the beer was being sold have suggested a very favourable reception!
The launch of Wold Top Brewery’s Priory 900 beer. Photo by Julie Folds.
Speakers at the launch event included Mrs Susan Cunliffe-Lister, Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire. Reverend John Wardle introduced his new book on the life of St. John of Bridlington to warm applause, and explained that the Priory 900 festival and support from the Lord Feoffees had provided him with the opportunity he needed to complete his work. ‘St. John of Bridlington – His Life and Legacy’ has been published by John E. Eckersley.
St. John of Bridlington is also the subject of a new tapestry and an exhibition in the church, designed to engage visitors with the Priory’s history. Activity stations for children have also been installed - why not have a go at dressing up as an Augustinian Canon?
The Priory 900 team would like to thank everyone who came to the opening service and launch. It was wonderful to see so many people meeting at the Priory, and it was this that made the day such a memorable occasion.
