Liverpool Cathedral Dean Hopes Christmas Stamp Inspires Visits

The Dean of Liverpool Cathedral has expressed her “honour” regarding the selection of the edifice for this year’s first class Royal Mail Christmas stamp. Liverpool Cathedral is depicted with a festive transformation within this year’s special edition Christmas stamp series. It stands as one of five cathedrals highlighted, alongside Westminster, Angor, Edinburgh, and Armagh. The Very Reverend Dr Sue Jones noted a “real buzz” pervading the location as the cathedral approaches the conclusion of its centenary year. This marks a century since Liverpool Cathedral’s consecration, an event that originally dedicated the structure for prayer and worship. Dean Sue Jones commented: “It’s been really positive.” She continued, “It was a real honour to hear from Royal Mail, that they wished us to be the first class stamp, and to see the first class stamp as well.” Describing the imagery, she added, “They look really really good. I think it’s a lovely, modern interpretation of the cathedral, with ice skaters in the front and around the side of the Cathedral.” She further stated: “I think what the stamp does, with the ice skaters out the front of the Cathedral, actually gives something of a magical Christmas time with children, and to come in and then see the cribs, and to experience the lighting of the tree, makes you think more about something beyond ourselves.” The artwork, produced by British artist Judy Joel, is scheduled for display as an enlarged version within the cathedral throughout the festive period. Dr Jones mentioned that Liverpool Cathedral intends to distribute its own Christmas cards this year featuring the stamp, aiming to “give thanks for this honour.” “One of the sad things now is that lots of people don’t send Christmas cards in the post, they send electronic ones,” she observed. The holiday season represents a bustling period for Britain’s largest cathedral, marked by the reappearance of its yearly lightshow and Sunday carol services, which draw as many as 900 attendees simultaneously. Audiences can access the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and connect with BBC Liverpool on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can also be directed to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk, external, and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.