Families invited to Weave Together at Chichester Cathedral as it celebrates 60 years of the iconic Piper Tapestry

Families and young people are invited to get creative at Chichester Cathedral this February half term, with a hands-on weaving workshop taking place on Saturday 14 February, as part of the opening weekend of Glowing + Alive - the Cathedrals major 2026 exhibition celebrating 60 years of John Pipers striking High Altar tapestry.

Commissioned in the 1960s to transform a once gloomy space, John Pipers vibrant seven-panel tapestry, woven in France using traditional methods, has been glowing at the heart of Chichester Cathedral for sixty years.

Now, families are invited not only to discover the story behind this remarkable artwork, but to explore the craft of weaving for themselves in a fun and family-friendly activity (suitable for ages 7+), creating a simple woven bookmark inspired by the tapestry.

The Weave Together workshop will allow children to experiment with colour, texture and pattern, and create their own woven piece inspired by what they discover - learning how something made by hand can tell a story and transform a space.

Rosie Bradberry, Creative Learning Officer at Chichester Cathedral, said:

John Pipers tapestry shows how an ancient craft can feel bold, exciting and relevant. It feels important that families and young people are among the first to experience it as the exhibition opens not just by looking, but by making. Weave Together is about slowing down, noticing detail, and giving children the chance to create something with their hands and imagination.

Each hour-long family workshop, taking place at 10.00am and 11.30am, will begin at the tapestry itself, where children will be encouraged to look closely at its colours, shapes and imagery, and learn how woven artworks are made. Participants will then move to the South Transept to create their own woven bookmark - a special keepsake to take home.

The workshops are led by the Cathedrals Creative Learning team, supported by education volunteers, using donated and reused materials wherever possible.

Weave Together forms part of a wider programme of events sitting alongside Glowing + Alive, helping to ensure that the Cathedrals artistic heritage is not only celebrated, but enjoyed and passed on to the next generation.

Date: Saturday 14 February 2026
Times: 10.00am and 11.30am
Ages: 7+
Location: South Transept, Chichester Cathedral
Cost: £8.50 per child, pre-booking essential
Places: Limited; advance booking recommended
Parents or guardians must stay with their child throughout

Glowing + Alive opens on 13 February 2026 and runs until 15 November 2026. Entry to Chichester Cathedral and the exhibition is free, with a suggested donation of £7.00.

For more information and to book, visit chichestercathedral.org.uk