Come and Celebrate Saint Mary’s Reopening: an Easter Fiesta!
After the major refurbishment Saint Mary’s has reopened its doors for daily worship, as well as serving as a place for prayer and meditation, and now we are excited to look forward to Easter with some special community events in our new space and we’d love you to join us for our special Easter Uplift! Celebration Week, the week of 6th April 2026. For the services in church please look at our website (www.stmaryandstjohnsstotnes.org).
The big musical event of the week is “St Mary’s Through The Ages – the history and music of the parish church from Saxon times to the present day” on Thursday 9th April at 7.30pm (Admission free – donations very welcome)
St Mary’s heritage researchers and musicians combine to tell the story of St Mary’s over the past 1500 years. Singers and musicians from across the South Hams will illustrate the history with the music of the time, starting with chants going right through to the present day., including items by Purcell, Tallis, Wesley and music on the Fr. Willis organ from Ian Curror and Totnes’ own ‘Divertimento String Quartet’. Crediton West Gallery Quire will also join us for a fascinating insight into church music from the 18th century.
During the celebration week there will also be organ recitals by our resident organists Peter King (Tuesday April 7th at 1pm and Andrew Millington Friday 10th April at 1pm) both are free with donations welcome. There will be the Friends Community Café on Tuesday from 10.00-13.00 and a Community Cafe Friday at the same time. On Friday 10th April at 7.30pm there is a concert from Steve Knightley – “Songs from Sacred Spaces”. Renowned as half of the great folk group “Show of Hands” Steve’s final concert in his current tour is at St Mary’s and it’s the perfect fit for this festival, the evening will also benefit Totnes’ own charity “Stepping Stones Food & Wellbeing”.
As part of our Easter Uplift! Celebration Week our brand new St. Mary’s’ Tours launch this week! Come and join us for a 45 minute journey with Fr. Jim.
Monday 6th April – 11am – History of St. Mary’s tour – Free, booking required
Wed 8th April – 11am – Uplift! Reordering Project Update Tour with Fr. Jim – Free, no Booking required
Fri – 10th April – 10am – History of St. Mary’s tour – Free, booking required
Sat – 11th April – 2pm – History of St. Mary’s tour – Free, booking required
For families, join us on Monday 6th April at 2pm for a children’s storytelling session on ‘Brutus of Troy and Totnes’ with local storyteller Adam Powell. This session is free and will last about 40 minutes. Children need an accompanying adult.
Finally, come and see the wonderful display of photographs and graphics created by the young people who visited the church when it was closed. There will also be family activities in the church, times and activities to be confirmed. For up-to-date information on all the above please go to our events page at stmarystotnes.org or look outside the church for our posters nearer the time.