THE restorative power of silence in an exhausting, digital world is to be explored in a special after-hours event in York Minster.

Silence in the Minster will be taking place from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday, April 26. It follows two highly successful pilot events held last year, which the cathedral described as “overwhelming in terms of both attendance and appreciation”.

The evening will begin with Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood, Chancellor of York Minster talking about how to embrace and use silence using the Christian contemplative tradition, before leading periods of meditation.

He said: ““We lead rushed, busy, lives, juggling multiple responsibilities, absorbing the daily noise of our lives as a matter of routine.

“We are plugged into an amazing, exciting but often overwhelming online, digital world, which spends seemingly endless resources on capturing our time and attention. There is a huge amount of pressure, particularly on young people, to be involved and connected 24/7.

“Many report that they are totally exhausted by the noise and constant demands of everyday life and how difficult it is to find somewhere – anywhere - where they can escape and be quiet even if just for a short while.

“The Silence in the Minster event will allow many people to encounter the restorative, calming, healing power of silent meditation and silence, possibly for the first time.”

No previous experience of silent meditation is necessary, although those with experience are more than welcome, and the event is open to people of all faiths and of none.

People will be encouraged to sit and experience the silence and stillness of the Minster in the evening or simply wander through the Minster quietly as they wish.

The evening will conclude with a contemplative service of night prayer with music provided by students from the University of York and arranged by one of the Minster’s choral scholars, George Clark.

The event is free to enter, although donations will be welcome.