NEW YEAR RINGING AT CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

Preparations are under way for members of the Christ Church Cathedral Society of Change-Ringers (founded 1670) as they get ready to ring in the New Year. Dubliners traditionally gather outside the cathedral at midnight on New Years Eve to celebrate the New Year as the bells ring out. Christ Church Cathedral has a total of 19 bells used for change-ringing, which is the greatest number in the world in any tower. All 19 bells will be rung together for a short time after midnight, the only time in the year when this is done.

Preparations include a practice on Friday 28 December (7-9pm) and a quarter peal attempt on Sunday 30 December at 12.30pm. In addition there is normal Sunday service ringing on Sunday 30 December 10-11am and 2.30-3.30pm. On New Years Eve the bells will first ring out the old year from 10.30pm until about 11.45pm, before ringing in the New Year at midnight.

Media enquiries are welcome. For further information please contact Honorary Ringing Master Gary McGuire at 086 368 8888 or ringingmaster@cccdub.ie or see the cathedral website online.

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