News / St Mary Redcliffe Church
St Mary Redcliffe fills up for the ‘FA Cup of bellringing’
England’s finest church bellringers have assembled to compete at the national final in St Mary Redcliffe church.
People from across the country have come together for what is the 50th Anniversary of the national 12-Bell Striking Contest Final.
The church echoed with centuries of tradition and the joyful sound of expertly rung church bells on Saturday.
Often dubbed the “FA Cup of bellringing”, this prestigious annual event brings together the country’s top teams to compete in the art of change ringing — a unique English tradition that combines musicality, precision, and teamwork.
St Mary Redcliffe Church is known for its magnificent spire and historic ring of twelve bells and hosted the first competition in 1975.
Nine elite teams from across the UK have earned their place in the final following rigorous qualifiers held earlier this spring.
Each team attempts a set piece of ringing, judged for timing, clarity, and consistency by an expert panel of judges.
The results from the judges are expected at around 5.30pm with the winner’s taking ownership of the Taylor Trophy.
The church is open all day where visitors can listen to the ringing, meet the ringers to learn about this fascinating art, and soak up the atmosphere with a refreshment.
Here is the event in photos:
All photos: Rob Browne
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