Blackburn Cathedral has unveiled 12 new vestments for its centenary year, in a ceremony that brought clergy from across the diocese into the Nave to present the garments before invited guests.
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The new set was designed by British textile artist Margo Selby and marks a major part of the cathedral’s 2026 centenary programme. As the garments were processed into the building and assembled on the steps of the Sanctuary, guests responded with applause.
The Revd Canon Andrew Horsfall, Interim Dean of Blackburn, told the gathering that vestments are “so much more than cloth and thread” and said they have been present at baptisms, burials, weddings, ordinations, festivals and weekday Eucharists across the life of the cathedral community.
Selby said the commission was the studio’s “most prestigious” to date and said the team had learned new heritage techniques so that every element of the garments was handwoven and handmade.
She said it was important that the pieces reflected the quality of the historic vestments researched for the project while also showing the design style her studio is known for.
Paul Mason, speaking for the Friends of Blackburn Cathedral, said the project was “a wonderful way to celebrate the centenary” and said the garments would be worn during “the most precious moments in the life of our community”.
The Friends of Blackburn Cathedral funded the commission. The group has supported the cathedral for more than 50 years and raises money to improve facilities and the fabric of the building.
Before the blessing, the Youth Choir performed Oh Love, directed by Helen Davies and accompanied by Director of Music John Robinson.
The new vestments were then offered by representatives of the congregation, the Friends and the designers to the Right Revd Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, who blessed them in a special prayer.
Canon Horsfall said the unveiling sat alongside the cathedral’s historic vestments and described the new pieces as being made possible by the generosity of the Friends of Blackburn Cathedral and the skill of Selby and her team.
The unveiling also forms part of the cathedral’s Fabric of Faith exhibition, which explores historic vestments from the archives, the theology of religious clothing and the importance of textiles to the region.
The exhibition runs until 24 April 2026.
More information about the Friends of Blackburn Cathedral is available at fobc.info.
