The hills are alive with ‘Joyful Noise’ as Salisbury Cathedral announces its theme for 2026

This year Salisbury Cathedral will celebrate and explore the theme of ‘Joyful Noise’ through a varied and creative programme of spoken word, concerts, art, films, family events and free outdoor music – as well as a special big-screen showing of everyone’s favourite movie musical The Sound of Music.

Inspired by the Psalms in the bible, joyful noise doesn’t just have to refer to formal music, but can contain spontaneous expressions, such as shouting or clapping, or simply by living a life that reflects joy. It shows that sound has the power to unite, inspire and celebrate.

A major contemporary art exhibition Joyful Noise will open on 16 May, and feature painting, sculpture, video, and sound to explore how artists have used humour, communication and group expressions as a form of joyful noise.

A series of film screenings exploring the theme of joyful noise will run throughout the year, beginning with Rubika Shah’s film documentary White Riot on 12 February, exploring the Rock against Racism movement. Meanwhile, Patrick Shen’s documentary In Pursuit of Silence will be screened on 22 April, which explores the value of peace and stillness in our busy world. In complete contrast, the beloved musical The Sound of Music will be screened in the Cathedral on 5 September.

Salisbury Cathedral’s chamber music programme will include An English Rose: Oboe and Piano by Candlelight on 24 April, Orpheus and his Lyre: The Salisbury Connection on 3 May, which will look at music from the Corfe family music collection, which is now part of the collections at the Cathedral library.

Salisbury Musical Society will perform Poulenc’s Gloria & Elgar’s The Music Makers at a special performance on 20 June, conducted by John Challenger.

Throughout the summer, Music on the Lawns will offer free Sunday performances on the Cathedral lawns. Vocal Works Gospel Choir will appear on 28 June; Art Asia will bring the sounds of India on 26 July and the ever-popular Swing Unlimited will return on 16 August.

Spoken word events will include music journalist and Mercury Prize judge Jude Rogers: The Sound of Being Human on 14 May, which will explore the impact music has on our lives, as well as talks by broadcaster, writer and parish priest Revd Lucy Winkett on 20 May and the Dean of Salisbury on 3 June, speaking respectively on the theology of sound and silence.

On 6 June, audiences will have the opportunity to take part in The Science of Song, an evening featuring Professor Ian Cross of the University of Cambridge, Celebrate Voice’s Artistic Director Lynsey Docherty, and Salisbury Cathedral’s Director of Music David Halls. The panel will discuss the science of singing and Professor Cross’s latest research, before Lynsey Docherty leads the audience in creating a collaborative soundscape using rhythm and harmony.

To learn more and view the full range of Joyful Noise events, click here