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St Giles Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed crown spire it stands on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

St Giles Cathedral

About St Giles Cathedral

St Giles Cathedral High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1RE
01312259442
St Giles Cathedral Website
Follow StGilesHighKirk on Twitter

Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen).

There is record of a parish church in Edinburgh by the year 854, served by a vicar from a monastic house, probably in England. It is possible that the first church, a modest affair, was in use for several centuries before it was formally dedicated by the bishop of St Andrews on 6 October 1243. The parish church of Edinburgh was subsequently reconsecrated and named in honour of the patron saint of the town, St Giles, whose feast day is celebrated on 1 September.

Upcoming Events at St Giles Cathedral

Makers Market at St Giles Cathedral

Selected dates between 3rd April 2025 - 27th November 2025

The Makers Market returns to the iconic St Giles' Cathedral in the heart of Edinburgh in 2025!

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Beethoven Sonatas by Candlelight

Selected dates between 15th September 2025 - 13th July 2026

Treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional early evening piano recital at the beautiful candlelit venue of St Giles' Cathedral!

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Royal Mile Chamber Music Series

Selected dates between 22nd September 2025 - 20th July 2026

The Edinburgh Royal Mile Chamber Music Series returns to St Giles, Cathedral for its second season, following a widely acclaimed launch.

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Chopin by Candlelight

Selected dates between 26th September 2025 - 26th June 2026

Brought to you by City Music Promotions, treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional evening piano recital at the beautiful venue of St Giles' Cathedral.

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Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight

Selected dates between 26th September 2025 - 22nd August 2026

Enjoy Vivaldi's timeless classic, The Four Seasons, and other magnificent works by Candlelight at St Giles' Cathedral, performed by The Piccadilly Sinfonietta!

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Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight

Selected dates between 27th September 2025 - 22nd August 2026

Experience an enchanting piano recital bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight and set in the awe-inspiring beauty of St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh.

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Royal Mile International Piano Series

6th October 2025 - 20th July 2026

Set against the magnificent backdrop of St Giles’ Cathedral — illuminated by candlelight - these concerts promise an unforgettable musical experience!

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Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & The Lark Ascending

18th October 2025

London Concertante brings Vivaldi’s masterpiece to life in a wonderful concert featuring gems of baroque music at St Giles Cathedral.

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St Giles’ at 6 Violin/Piano Recital

19th October 2025

Come along to St Giles' Cathedral on Sunday 19th October at 6pm for this Violin/Piano concert from Christopher Bevan and Clare Hoffman!

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A Night at the Opera by Candlelight (Feat. Nessun Dorma)

Selected dates between 24th October 2025 - 24th July 2026

Set in the beautiful candlelit setting of St Giles' Cathedral, enjoy a night with the exceptional musicians of the Piccadilly Sinfonietta and some of the UK's leading opera singers!

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Bach Goldberg Variations by Candlelight

25th October 2025

Enjoy an exceptional classical concert by candlelight in the beautiful setting of St Giles' Cathedral on Saturday 25th October!

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A Night at the Opera by Candlelight

15th November 2025

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opera with "A Night at the Opera," a captivating showcase of timeless classics that will transport you to the grandeur of the stage!

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Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas

Selected dates between 21st November 2025 - 20th December 2025

Enjoy an exceptional classical concert by candlelight this Christmas in the beautiful setting of St Giles' Cathedral

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Rachmaninov by Candlelight

21st November 2025

Enjoy an exceptional classical concert by candlelight in the beautiful setting of St Giles Cathedral on Friday 21st November!

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Mozart Concertos by Candlelight

22nd November 2025

The exceptional musicians of the Piccadilly Sinfonietta and special guests will perform a selection of Mozart's finest concertos in the beautiful candlelit setting of St Giles Cathedral.

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Moonlight Sonata at Christmas

Selected dates between 28th November 2025 - 20th December 2025

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a special pre-Christmas evening in the stunning surroundings of St Giles' Cathedral!

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Chopin by Candlelight at Christmas

5th December 2025

Celebrate the magic of the festive season with an unforgettable evening of Chopin by Candlelight, performed by acclaimed concert pianist Warren Mailley-Smith in the magnificent St Giles’ Cathedral.

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Rachmaninov and Grieg Piano Concertos

5th December 2025

Step into the timeless beauty of St Giles’ Cathedral this festive season, and experience a candlelit Christmas concert like no other!

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Bach Cello Suites by Candlelight

13th February 2026

Experience an enchanting cello recital bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight and set in the awe-inspiring beauty of St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh.

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Valentines Night at the Opera by Candlelight (Feat. Nessun Dorma)

13th February 2026

Enjoy a magical evening of romantic opera in Edinburgh, performed by The Piccadilly Sinfonietta and acclaimed UK soloists!

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Valentines Vivaldi by Candlelight

14th February 2026

Treat your loved one to the ultimate Valentine's romantic experience and enjoy a stunning selection of classical pieces featuring Vivaldi's epic Four Seasons in St Giles' Cathedral!

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Valentines Moonlight Sonata

14th February 2026

Celebrate Valentine’s night with an unforgettable evening of music in the stunning, candlelit setting of St Giles' Cathedral.

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Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2

27th March 2026

Delight in a beautiful performance of Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto accompanied by the Piccadilly Sinfonietta at St Giles' Cathedral on 27th March!

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Rhapsody in Blue by Candlelight

Selected dates between 24th April 2026

City Music Promotions presents the stunning programme of music for solo piano including Gerswhin's iconic Rhapsody in Blue in St Giles' Cathedral!

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Mozart Concertos by Candlelight

25th April 2026

Step into the timeless beauty of St Giles’ Cathedral, an architectural jewel in the heart of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for this evening of uplifting and elegant classical music!

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Grieg Piano Concerto by Candlelight

29th May 2026

Enjoy an exceptional classical concert by candlelight in the beautiful setting of St Giles' Cathedral.

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Debussy by Candlelight

30th May 2026

Experience an enchanting piano recital bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight, set within the awe-inspiring beauty of St Giles’ Cathedral.

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The Lark Ascending by Candlelight

27th June 2026

Experience the magic of the Piccadilly Sinfonietta as they take you on a musical journey at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh.

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Mozart - Piano Sonatas by Candlelight

24th July 2026

Immerse yourself in the brilliance of Mozart, performed by acclaimed concert pianist Luke Jones in the awe-inspiring candlelit setting of St Giles’ Cathedral.

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Mozart & Mendelssohn Violin Concertos

21st August 2026

Enjoy an exceptional classical concert by candlelight in the beautiful setting of St Giles Cathedral on 21st August!

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Beethoven Piano Sonatas by Candlelight

21st August 2026

Enjoy an evening of profound beauty and romantic brilliance, as acclaimed pianist Ugnius Pauliukonis performs a stunning programme of Beethoven and Chopin in St Giles’ Cathedral.

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Sponsored Links

Hilton Glasgow
Edinburgh Street Historians
Escape The Past
Children's Classic Concerts
Murrayfield Experience
Renfrewshire Council
Fayre Play
Hilton Glasgow
Murrayfield Experience
Wonder & Co
Murrayfield Experience
Open Pass Scotland
Murrayfield Experience
Hostelworld

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