Winchester Cathedral Palm Sunday procession lead by Dermot the donkey

The procession, on a grey and cold Sunday morning, started outside the Great Hall shortly after 10am and followed a route down through the High Street, turning right at the Buttercross before making their way into the cathedral.

The procession was accompanied by palms, hymns and Dermot the donkey who joined those in attendance from Kelly’s Donkeys for the second year in a row.

It included the Dean of Winchester, the Very Rev Catherine Ogle, the Reverend Canon Missioner Dr Tess Kuin Lawton, the Reverend Canon Andy Trenier, among other cathedral dignitaries and choristers.

Before the procession started, the Dean stood on steps outside the Great Hall, and said: “Dear friends in Christ, during Lent we have been preparing by works of love and self-sacrifice for the celebration of our Lord's death and resurrection.

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“Today we come together to begin this celebration in joyful union with the church throughout the world. Christ enters his own city to complete the work as our Saviour, to be welcomed as a king, to suffer, to die and to rise again. Let us go with him now, so that, united with him in this journey, we may share in his sorrows and know his risen life.”

After this, the Dean invited people gathered to hold up their palm crosses during a prayer. 

The procession made its way through the Westgate, down the High Street, right at the Buttercross, before approaching and entering the cathedral for the remainder of the service. 

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week, and commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, who was welcomed by the people waving palm branches.

For more details about Winchester Cathedral's upcoming services, visit: winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/lent-holy-week-and-easter/.