Ascension Day was celebrated at a number of University of Cambridge colleges by those with a head for heights. The St John's College choir sang from their chapel's rooftop last Thursday (9 May) as part of a musical tradition dating back to 1902. The choir members ascended the 163ft chapel tower to sing the Ascension Day carol as the city's clocks struck noon and onlookers listened from below in the sunshine.
The Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, perform the Ascension Day carol from the top of the Chapel Tower. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA Wire St John's College director of music Christopher Gray, who leads the choir, said: "I told the choir that we'd hit the jackpot with the weather for our annual Ascension Day trip up the tower, but as we huffed and puffed our way towards the top of the stairs, wearing our heavy red cassocks, I wasn't so sure! "The clock struck 12 and we began the Ascension carol, directing our singing towards the people gathered to listen in First Court. "Spirits were high as we took in the beautiful views from one of the highest points in Cambridge, honouring a tradition that our predecessors have maintained since 1902.
" Director of music Christopher Gray conducts the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, as they perform the Ascension Day carol from the top of the Chapel Tower. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA Wire People listen to the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, as they perform the Ascension Day carol from the top of the Chapel Tower. Picture: Joe Gidd.
