PRESS RELEASE - Portsmouth and Quarr Abbey Chant Day Saturday 6 June 2026

Portsmouth and Quarr Abbey Invite Singers to an Inspiring Day of Gregorian Chant

PORTSMOUTH, June 2026 — Following the success of the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course earlier this year, singers, choir members and lovers of sacred music are warmly invited to take part in a special Day of Chant on Saturday 6 June 2026, combining Mass at St Joseph’s Church, Portsmouth, and Vespers at Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight in a rich and uplifting celebration of the Church’s ancient musical tradition.

This special one-day event offers a distinctive opportunity to experience Gregorian Chant in both parish and monastic settings, guided by experienced leaders and shaped by prayer, beauty and shared music-making. Open to former participants and complete newcomers alike, it is designed to be welcoming, practical and deeply enriching.

The morning session at St Joseph’s in Portsmouth will focus on chant for Mass, while the afternoon at Quarr Abbey will culminate in the singing of Saturday Evening Vespers in the Abbey Church. Together, the two locations allow participants not only to learn chant, but to experience it in the liturgical settings for which it was created.

Bishop Philip Egan praised the earlier course, saying that “the feedback speaks for itself and testifies to a course that was much appreciated and which will be a help to the celebration of the Liturgy in the diocese.” The new Day of Chant builds on that encouraging response while opening the experience to new participants.

Attendance at either part of the day, or both, is welcome, and the event is open to all levels of experience. Morning sessions begin at St Joseph’s, Portsmouth, before participants travel on for the afternoon and evening at Quarr Abbey, with reduced rates available for children. Early booking is encouraged through the published event information.

For further information, visit PortsmouthGregorianChant.blogspot.com, follow @portsmgregchant on X (formerly Twitter), or use the contact details below.

Press Contact:
Mobile: 07424 371938
Email: portsmouthchantcourse@gmail.com
Website: PortsmouthGregorianChant.blogspot.com

Annex: Practical Details

Event: Gregorian Chant Day Portsmouth & Quarr Abbey
Date: Saturday 6 June 2026
Attendance options: Participants may attend the morning session, the afternoon and evening session, or the full day.
Booking: Advance registration is requested through the published event information.

Charges for the full day
Former course participants: Adults £5; Children £2.50
Newcomers: Adults £10; Children £5

Morning session: St Joseph’s Church, Portsmouth
08:45 – Practice for Mass
10:00 – Mass
11:30 – Depart St Joseph’s Church and travel independently to the Isle of Wight ferry

Travel to the Isle of Wight
Participants make their own way to Quarr Abbey. Indicative ferry options from Portsmouth include 12:00–12:45 and 12:40–13:25. For those attending the afternoon session only, other route options are available from Lymington and Southampton. On the island, bus services are available to Quarr Abbey.

Afternoon and evening: Quarr Abbey, Isle of Wight
From 13:00 – Arrival at Quarr Abbey (independently)
14:30 – Welcome at Quarr Abbey
The afternoon will include preparation for the Office of Vespers, concluding with the singing of Saturday Evening Vespers in the Abbey Church.
Indicative return ferry option from Fishbourne to Portsmouth: 18:20–19:05

Additional notes
On arrival at Quarr Abbey there is time to explore the Abbey Church, Visitors’ Centre, Farm Shop and Tea Shop.
Further information: PortsmouthGregorianChant.blogspot.com
Press contact: 07424 371938 | portsmouthchantcourse@gmail.com

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