Day 1: gathering day. Pilgrims make their way to Lichfield from various points across the UK (including those who've previously travelled from overseas - Kenya, New Zealand, Spain, Poland...)
Many pilgrims came by coach from Hove and Redhill; the luggage came in this year's TRUCK (not a van because the promised van was no longer on the road - mind those mirrors John!)
Arriving a little later, where else do you find pilgrims on a hot August day but a pub garden.
Others took in the sights of this Cathedral city.
But we had an appointment at the Cathedral for Evensong. Here we were welcomed by the Precentor, Canon Charles Taylor, and the choir of All Saints Church Hertford provided music reminiscent of the classical vision of heaven.
Patrick clearly felt holier after the experience!
Back to the hall to put out our beds
then to Ss Peter & Paul for a vigil Mass