Cathedral celebrates the world of education with dance and music

Pupils, parents and teachers from schools throughout the diocese filled Ripon Cathedral for a diocesan celebration of Education Sunday, February 8th.

The theme of the morning was 'Let's Celebrate' and the service was given an international feel with African 'djemba' drums which accompanied the singing of the traditional South African song, "Siya Hamba" (We are marching in the Light of God).

There was contemporary music played by Aidan's Flame (left) ,  a group of musicians from St Aidan's Church High School in Harrogate. Brass players from Ripley C of E Primary School accompanied hymns and there were songs and music from St. Chad's CofE primary school in Headingley, Ainderby Steeple Primary and Kirby Fleetham C of E Primary school.

Dance and colour filled the Cathedral as pupils from Ripon Cathedral Primary School performed 'Celebrate'.

Other schools taking part included the David Young Community Academy, Brompton on Swale and All Saints, Kirkby Overblow.

Pupils from several schools took part in lighting candles and joined organiser and Cathedral Education Development Officer, Eileen Bellett in leading prayers for those involved in all aspects of education, schools, colleges, governors, inspectors, pupils, parents and staff.

The celebration was led by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd Keith Jukes, who talked about the importance of celebration  using an unusual but effective 'prop' - a musical cake knife which performed birthday tunes, wedding music and a Christmas tune. He told the congretation, "we have come here today to celebrate education. We have seen a wonderful example of education throughout this service, and from whatever faith perspective we have come from we can all join together in celebrating the gift of teaching and learning."

He added, "The boys and girls from St Chad's Primary school in their song got it absolutely right. They sang "Open your eyes and let the light shine in" and I think that is what we are celebrating today because that is what education is all about. It is a moment, through the gift of learning, where our eyes are opened and the light shines in."