Annual Gathering 2023

We are really looking forward to being together again for the Mothers’ Union Annual Gathering 2023 at York Barbican, in the wonderful city of York on 22^nd September 2023. It is a one day event, so why not get a group of you to travel there and back together. There will not be another gathering until 2026* - so don't miss out! 

The programme builds on our triennial theme where we have moved from Transformation – Now! to Transformation in Action. Find our about how Mothers' Union is moving forward together in faith and love.

Enjoy a keynote address on global MU from Sheran Harper, our Worldwide President, a midday service, and afternoon session on Supporting our Clergy led by Bishop Emma, our Central Chaplain, an interactive and fun session with members and inspiring stories from here and overseas. Evensong at York Minster with the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell follows.

Where would the Anglican Communion be without the Mothers’ Union? At home and across the world the Mothers’ Union offers the love and hope of Christ, helping to transform communities through teaching, prayer and pastoral care and by working with others to stop violence, injustice and hunger. I’m looking forward to being part of the Annual Gathering this year when I’ll be preaching at a special Evensong in York Minster”

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York

 

ONE DAY - Friday 22nd September:

11am – 3.45 pm: Annual Gathering, York Barbican (doors open from 10.15am)

5.30pm - 7pm: Evensong, at York Minster (Evensong is open to the public, so you are encouraged to get there early. A prayer will be dedicated to the Mothers' Union and the Archbishop of York will preach to the congregation)

Tickets for the Annual Gathering are available now and are priced at £23.50 including VAT (the cost of ticket is set at a minimum to cover costs only, this year there is no grant from the hosting city to reduce this cost). Book early to avoid disappointment, indications are that York will be a popular destination and this gathering will sell out! Click here to buy your tickets now.

Some helpful information:

Accommodation

We strongly recommend that if you do require accommodation, you book early. York Races is on the following day, so accommodation will become harder to find and the costs will increase.

A useful site to look at is Visit York who offer a range of different accommodation options including hotels, apartments and B&Bs. You can find them here. If you want to stay close to York Barbican, Travel Lodge – York Central is currently offering good rates starting from £65 per room for Thursday 21^st and Friday 22^nd September. If you would prefer to stay closer to York Minster, Travel Lodge – York Central Micklegate is also currently offering good deals. Click here to be taken to the Travel Lodge website.

Other good value recommendations for York include Premier Inn, Holiday Inn, Radisson and Novotel.

Transport

The nearest station is York. There is a bus service that runs from the centre of York to the Barbican. For more information: https://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/venue-info/getting-here/

The Event Pack will be available soon to download from this page, in the meantime here’s some FAQs:

• Seats for the Annual Gathering at York Barbican are unreserved; you can sit where you like. If you have mobility issues, after booking tickets please email membership@mothersunion.org and entitle the email Access Issues at the Annual Gathering.
• Doors open from 10.15am
• Limited parking is available at the venue, see York Barbican parking for more information. 

This page will be updated on a regular basis.

* Following feedback from members around the cost and commitment of annual travel to face-to-face gatherings, Provincial Presidents and MSH decided to focus on making York a special celebration, held in one day to reduce costs and optimise attendance. We will then plan something amazing for our 150th Anniversary in 2026.
For 2024 and 2025, we would love to know what our dioceses and members most value - for example, speakers at Provincial Gatherings or virtual events and resources. We are here, ready to support this - contact membership@mothersunion.org. See you in York!