Crowds turn out for the Lichfield Mysteries

Thousands of people flocked into Lichfield city centre to witness the spectacle of the Lichfield Mysteries. Hundreds  of performers took to the stages on Market Square and in the Cathedral recreating the Bible stories in traditional and modern settings. The sun blazed down on the crowds – there was just the odd shower which didn’t mar the entertainment. The Lichfield Poets got the event off to a good start with a performance in St Mary’s Centre before the plays began on the Market Street stage. Groups from all over the region from schools, churches, dramatic and musical societies and dance companies had worked for months to bring the Mysteries to the city.

Audiences packed the square and the Cathedral was full to capacity on both days. Shepherd’s Crook Puppet Theatre attracted families with their performances in the Lady Chapel as did an exhibition of paintings depicting the Mysteries by Sylvia Royal’s art groups . Audiences witnessed a very different Mysteries this time – many plays incorporating modern music and dance alongside more traditional offerings. The event was organised by a team of volunteers headed by chairman Polly Dixon and supported by administrator and production manager Jill Taylor. The professional artistic team were Artistic Director Dominic Shaw, Designer John Brooking and Music Director Anthony Evans. Chairman Polly Dixon said:

“It has been an absolutely wonderful weekend and I would like to thank our sponsors and supporters for making it possible for us to stage this Mysteries. The groups involved pulled out all the stops to make this an exceptional community event which brought together people of all ages and from all walks of life. “I would like to thank everyone for making this a truly memorable Mysteries.”