What we do
The Minster is the principal church of the Isle of Wight, a Grade 1 listed building, and is a focus for both church and community from all parts of the Island.
It is a venue for major church festivals in place of our Diocesan Cathedral, sometimes too distant in Portsmouth, and recognises the distinctive nature of the Island community.
- As a place of worship we host Island civic and major services with around 700 people at our Remembrance Day Service.
- As a place of historic interest we welcome c30,000 visitors each year, many of whom come seeking prayer, help or simply a place of quiet and reflection.
- As a spiritual focus for the Island we enjoy diverse occasions such as our annual Jazz Festival Eucharist, the quarterly Prayer & Praise events and a point of engagement with those of other faiths.
Our community
- As a community venue we have been privileged to host the Bach Choir, Courtney Pine, International Staff Band of the Salvation Army and other international artists alongside the Island’s own good talent. Exhibitions range from embroidery to paintings to wartime events.
- As a place of learning we have hosted lectures on many subjects and amongst our speakers has been Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe, a vice patron of our appeal.
- As a place of worship and local history that attracts schools, uniformed organisations and those interested in both the medieval heritage and the Victorian links centred on the burial site of Princess Elizabeth.
Among all of this the Minster is the town-centre church of the County Town of the Island, seeking to serve the local community and sharing in faith with the other churches of the town.
We hope that you will want to visit the Minster and discover this treasure for yourself.
