The Bedford Park Festival Hymn

On Sunday June 28th, St Michael & All Angels was due to celebrate its 140th anniversary with a full orchestra and chorus, at its annual Festival Mass. Because of COVID-19, that was no longer possible. Instead, inspired by its fund-raising Hymnathons (see film from 2017), the church invited the community to choose - and sing! - The Bedford Park Festival Hymn, to raise money for the church and its three charities for 2020.

The hymn chosen was Dear Lord and Father of mankind. It was recorded during the last week of June by singers in their homes and played in church at the end of the Festival Mass on Sunday 28th June. You will find the recording on the Festival website, along with the names of the singers who recorded the soundtrack. Thanks to all of them and in particular to Jonathan Dods, Director of Music at St Michael & All Angels, for choosing the arrangemnt, organising and editing the recording, and playing the organ. Some of the singers appear on the video, which was recorded later on Zoom, to convey a visual impression of recording from home.

We hope you will want to show your appreciation of this community achievement by making a donation below in support of the Festival charities.