Historic Firsts for Girls' Choirs at St. Peter's and St. Paul's Cathedrals

St. Peter's in Belfast and St. Paul's in London feature girls in their choirs for the first time at Christmas services, marking significant milestones in their histories.

St. Peter's Cathedral in Belfast will showcase its newly formed all-girls choir during its midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, a first in its 150-year history.
The St. Paul's Cathedral choir in London will include girl choristers for the first time in its 900-year history during its Christmas Day service.
St. Peter's girls' choir, formed in June 2024, comprises members aged 11 to 18 and represents schools from across the greater Belfast area.
Lila, 11, and Lois, 10, became the first full girl choristers at St. Paul’s Cathedral earlier this year after passing probation and receiving specialist training.
The inclusion of girls in these choirs reflects broader changes in cathedral traditions, though some traditionalists advocate for preserving all-male choirs.