THE SOUND of music – and much more besides – will echo through Salisbury Cathedral next year after the historic building unveiled ‘Joyful Noise’ as its theme for 2026.

Inspired by the Psalms, the theme will run across a year-long programme blending concerts, contemporary art, film, spoken word and free outdoor events, all exploring how sound in its many forms can bring people together.

Organisers say joyful noise is not limited to formal music but includes everyday expressions of joy – from clapping and shouting to living a life rooted in celebration.

One of the centrepieces will be a major contemporary art exhibition, Joyful Noise, opening May 16.

Featuring painting, sculpture, video and sound, the exhibition will explore how artists use humour, communication and collective expression to create moments of shared joy.

Film will also play a prominent role. Screenings begin on February 12 with Rubika Shah’s documentary White Riot, which revisits the Rock Against Racism movement.

Patrick Shen’s In Pursuit of Silence follows on April 22, offering a quieter reflection on stillness in a noisy world.

In a nod to popular culture, the cathedral will host a big-screen showing of The Sound of Music on September 5.

Music remains at the heart of the programme. Chamber concerts include An English Rose: Oboe and Piano by Candlelight on April 24 and Orpheus and his Lyre: The Salisbury Connection on May3 , drawing on the Corfe family music collection held in the cathedral library.

Salisbury Musical Society will perform Poulenc’s Gloria and Elgar’s The Music Makers on June 20, conducted by John Challenger.

Over the summer, Music on the Lawns returns with free Sunday performances, from Vocal Works Gospel Choir and Indian ensemble Art Asia to the popular Swing Unlimited.

The spoken word strand features music journalist and Mercury Prize judge Jude Rogers, broadcaster and parish priest Revd Lucy Winkett, and the Dean of Salisbury, reflecting on sound, silence and what it means to be human.

A participatory highlight comes on June 6 with The Science of Song, combining research, discussion and a live audience soundscape.

Full details of the Joyful Noise programme are available via Salisbury Cathedral’s website.