Patronal Festival Report - St Peter, Cattistock

St Peter’s, Cattistock
Patron saint: St Peter
Festival date: 29 June

St Peter’s hosted a joyful and very well-attended Choral Evensong, supported by a generous grant that helped ensure the occasion’s success. The eight bells rang for half an hour before the service, setting a festive tone for a congregation of 109 drawn from across the thirteen parishes of the Melbury Team. Fifteen singers and their conductor from Salisbury Cathedral joined the event, with the organist accompanying on the 1868 instrument.

Fine weather allowed refreshments to be served outdoors from a gazebo, giving parishioners and guests time to meet and talk. The visiting choir spoke warmly of the church’s distinctive acoustics and expressed enthusiasm about returning. The occasion strengthened links across the benefice and created a memorable celebration for the Patronal festival.