Music and Bellringing at St Mary’s
St Mary’s Music
St Mary’s is home to our fabulous church choir. The choir rehearses on Friday evenings and sings for our regular worship including monthly choral Evensong. Newcomers and enquirers welcome.
St Mary’s has always had a rich musical tradition and welcomes concerts and performers throughout the year.
Experience the magic of music at St Mary’s Church Afternoon Concerts. There is a rich tapestry of performances to enjoy.
Your presence enriches the harmony of our musical community.
All are welcome!
Further Information on past and upcoming music can be found at stmarysmusic.org
Bellringing
Our bell tower hosts a friendly group of ringers of all ages mostly from the town. The bells ring for Sunday services, weddings, special events, and community celebrations. We practice every Tuesday at 7:30 pm and take part in ringing events at other churches.
St Mary’s is also home to Let’s Ring! — a recruitment and training initiative led by Catherine White-Horne, welcoming newcomers to learn this historic craft.
We host popular outreach events for schools and scouts and open the tower during Heritage Open Days each autumn. Visitors enjoy guided tours of the antique clock room, bell-ringing demonstrations, and rooftop views of Thornbury and the surrounding countryside.
Whether you're a seasoned ringer, eager to learn, or just curious, we’d love to welcome you to our bell tower. Join us for a practice or contact the church office by clicking here... We’d love to hear from you!
Special Concert at St Mary’s Church
Friday, 19 September 2025, 7:30 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening of musical excellence with The Gesualdo Six, an acclaimed British vocal ensemble celebrated for their captivating performances and seamless blend of voices. Directed by Owain Park, this award-winning group brings together some of the UK’s finest consort singers.
Formed in 2014 for a remarkable performance of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories in Cambridge, The Gesualdo Six have since graced the stages of prestigious festivals worldwide. Their imaginative programming and stunning harmonies promise a truly inspiring concert experience.
Don’t miss this special event at the heart of our community.
Thank you and Well Done to the Bell ringers Quarter Peal
Feb 2025
The St Mary’s Church Bell ringers rang a special Quarter Peal on the 1st February 2025 for the celebration of Revd Joy and Mike’s Wedding!
A Quarter Peal in bell ringing is a significant achievement because it involves completing one-quarter of the changes in a full Peal, typically 1,260 changes, which takes about 45-50 minutes to complete. It requires a high level of skill, precision, and endurance, both physically and mentally, as ringers must maintain focus and accuracy for an extended period. Completing a Quarter Peal is seen as a milestone in the bell ringing community, showcasing a ringer's growing expertise and their ability to work effectively in a team. It’s a challenging yet rewarding accomplishment that reflects both individual proficiency and collective coordination.
Experience the magic of music at St Mary’s Church Afternoon Concerts. There is a rich tapestry of performances to enjoy.
Your presence enriches the harmony of our musical community.
All are welcome!
2024 was a wonderful year for music at St Mary’s Church.
In 2024, St. Mary's Church in Thornbury presented a vibrant music program, featuring a series of Afternoon Concerts that enriched the local community. Additionally in April, the church hosted the Thornbury Good Afternoon Choir, delivering an engaging performance that was well-received by attendees, In July the churches own Revd Joy and Music Director Alex Hiam took the stage and in September, soprano Rosie Evans and pianist Malcolm Kittle performed, adding to the year's musical highlights.
These concerts, set against the backdrop of the church's captivating ambiance, provided attendees with enchanting musical experiences and fostered a welcoming and communal atmosphere. Admission to these concerts was free, with refreshments served, encouraging community engagement and appreciation for the arts.
