Gloucester Cathedral will join millions across the world in celebrating Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22.

Marking 50 years of Earth Day, the Cathedral will share a special online musical performance by Stroud Fringe Choir, recorded at the Cathedral during Museum of the Moon in October 2019.

Responding to the current climate emergency, the Cathedral worked with Stroud Fringe Choir to produce four songs that are inspired by and respond to it.

Originally due to be performed in the Cathedral on Earth Day, the online recording provides a snapshot of the work which has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As a place of worship which has existed for over 1,000 years, Gloucester Cathedral is committed to supporting initiatives which ensure sustainability for all: caring for God's creation and reducing carbon emissions are both core organisational aims.

Although events cannot currently be hosted, this week the Cathedral's solar installation is featured as a case study in Operation Noah's blog: Churches investing in the clean energy future.

The Cathedral's Community Engagement team is about to launch Cathedral inspired Art for Wellbeing resources, including eco-friendly family craft toolkits. The team are also working with partner organisations to plan even more positive sustainable change in future.

The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester said: "The Earth never goes into lockdown for us - it is constant and so needs our constant care. Our challenge is finding new ways to deliver against every element of Sustainability without losing sight of the Cathedral's traditions and purpose.

"I fully support Earth Day 2020 as it reminds us of all that is precious. We are proud to get behind this important initiative and unite with others digitally to encourage all to care for the planet."

Emily Hall, composer, musician and Stroud Fringe Choir founder said: "Earth Day aims to 'fill the world with messages of hope, optimism and, above all action to protect our planet and the wellbeing of the people who live upon it'.

"We hope this short performance will create a restorative atmosphere for reflection in the light of the climate crisis and the current situation"

You can view the performance here or find out more about Earth Day 2020 here.