1,750 CHILDREN joined together in prayer, song, and drama as a way to celebrate their primary school life with the aim of preparing for the transition to a new school in September.  

'Leavers' services' were held over a three-day period and were led by the Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education and hosted in the Salisbury Cathedral.

Salisbury Journal: Leavers Services at Salisbury Cathedral

Canon Jonathan Triffitt said: "It was such a privilege to participate in this year’s 'Leavers' Services’, which is always a highlight of the year."

Each day in the afternoon, a school shared a moving dramatic piece led by RISE Theatre highlighting how easy it is to lose one’s own identity by following others or making the wrong choices.

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Children thought about the people they would like to welcome into their lives as they moved forward in life, then, by the Amnesty Candle, they wrote about Christian values on love hearts and their wishes for children across the world.

Canon Jonathan Triffitt drew on the drama and encouraged children, young people and adults in the congregation to stay connected to the source of the light and to love generously.

He said: "To see the cathedral filled with hundreds of children filling an ancient space with such joy, and worship was truly inspiring and profoundly moving." 

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The service included prayers written by the children, especially for the service and prayers were led by AD Antony MacRow Wood, Bishop Stephen and Bishop Karen. A moment of stillness followed with candlelight all along the aisles as children ‘passed the light’ between them.

The service ended with a procession of children carrying school banners in celebration.