Lent, Holy Week and Easter dates 2026
Ash Wednesday: 18 February
Palm Sunday: 29 March
Maundy Thursday: 2 April
Good Friday: 3 April
Easter Day: 5 April
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week is the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, the holiest week of the Christian year as we celebrate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We walk the way of the cross with Our Lord, stand at the foot of his cross, and celebrate his resurrection.
Take part in worship
All are welcome to join a service at Durham Cathedral. You can worship with us in person or join livestreamed services on YouTube.
Holy Week Services
Holy Week commemorates the last week of Jesus' life on earth, and we mark the week with different services to remember the passion of Jesus.
Easter Day Services
We remember as Jesus was raised from the dead, so all who trust him can know life beyond the grave.
Upcoming Services and Holy Week events
Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday
Event date and start time
Wednesday 18 February 2026 All day
As our Lenten journey toward Easter begins, we receive ashes upon our foreheads as a sign of our mortality, and our need for the love of God to bring us new life. Join us at services throughout the day to mark the start of Lent.
More infoSung Eucharist with Procession of Palms and Reading of Passion
Event date and start time
Sunday 29 March 2026 10:30am
Beginning outside of Palace Green, the clergy process into the Cathedral, echoing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Members of the congregation are given palm crosses, representing Christ’s victory over death on the cross.
More infoSt John Passion performed by Durham Cathedral Choir and the Avison Ensemble
Event date and start time
Sunday 29 March 2026 6:00pm
Begin Holy Week with a poignant performance of St John Passion, performed by Durham Cathedral Choir and the Avison Ensemble.
More info
Holy Week Eucharist for the Monday of Holy Week
Event date and start time
Monday 30 March 2026 5:30pm
Join us for a simple celebration of Eucharist on the Monday of Holy Week at 5.30pm.
More infoHoly Week Eucharist for the Tuesday of Holy Week
Event date and start time
Tuesday 31 March 2026 5:30pm
Join us for a simple celebration of Eucharist on the Tuesday of Holy Week at 5.30pm.
More infoHoly Week Eucharist for the Wednesday of Holy Week
Event date and start time
Wednesday 1 April 2026 5:30pm
Join us for a simple celebration of Eucharist on the Wednesday of Holy Week at 5.30pm.
More info
Chrism Eucharist
Event date and start time
Thursday 2 April 2026 11:00am
During this service, three holy oils are blessed to be used throughout services in Durham Diocese for the rest of the year.
More infoThe Liturgy of Maundy Thursday: Stripping of the Altars and a Watch at the Altar of Repose
Event date and start time
Thursday 2 April 2026 7:30pm
During this service, the Dean washes the feet of members of the community, and the clergy echo scenes from the Last Supper and performs the 'Judas Cup' Ceremony.
More infoGood Friday: The Three Hours
Event date and start time
Friday 3 April 2026 12:00pm
In the Liturgy of Good Friday we mark the Death of Christ through preaching, choral music and prayer.
More info
Easter Vigil Service of Readings
Event date and start time
Saturday 4 April 2026 5:30pm
On Holy Saturday, we commemorate the burial of Jesus and watch and wait for his resurrection, as we hear prophecies from the Hebrew scriptures about the Messiah rising from the grave. In this service, we begin our vigil, which continues the following morning in the Easter Liturgy.
More infoEaster Day - Dawn Eucharist with Baptism and Confirmation
Event date and start time
Sunday 5 April 2026
Easter Sunday marks the day when Jesus rose again. Join us for a day of services as we triumph of light over dark.
More info
Discover the secret of the Last Supper table
Used in the Maundy Thursday service, the Last Supper table may appear to be simple and roughly made, but this ordinary looking object hides a beautiful and intricate interior.
