Choir climbs 163ft tower and sings from rooftop in Cambridge college tradition

A Cambridge choir has sung from the top of a 163ft tower in an unusual tradition that was started in 1902 to settle a dispute over whether it would be heard from the ground.

The singers climbed the spiral staircase of St John’s College Chapel tower in Cambridge to mark Ascension Day on Thursday.

Ascension Day celebrates the Christian belief in the ascension of Jesus into heaven, 40 days after his resurrection at Easter.

Each year, members of the choir of St John’s sing the Ascension Day carol from the rooftop.

Ascension Day carol at St John’s Chapel – Cambridge
The Choir of St John’s College at the University of Cambridge perform the Ascension Day carol from the top of a tower, a custom dating back to 1902 (Joe Giddens/ PA)

Mr Rootham proved Sir Joseph wrong after arranging for a choir to climb to the rooftop and sing without telling anyone.

One of the choristers who sang on Thursday, Arthur, said there was a “great view” from the rooftop.

The 10-year-old added: “It felt amazing because there was a great sound echo.”

Ascension Day carol at St John’s Chapel – Cambridge
The tower is 163ft tall (Joe Giddens/ PA)

“I really loved seeing for miles and being able to see everything around.”

Christopher Gray, the leader of the Choir of St John’s, has been in his new role for one month.

He said: “During those four weeks it has been a joy to get to know the extraordinary musicians who sing in the College Choir, and to experience the excitement about climbing to the top of the tower that is such an iconic part of the Cambridge skyline.”

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