St Edmundsbury Cathedral holds grand procession over the weekend as almost 200 people attend

A grand procession and pilgrimage took place over the weekend to mark 1000 years since the founding of an abbey.

The procession led from St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds to the Abbey gardens on Sunday.

Bishops, civic representatives, monks, nuns and ecumenical guests walked from the Cathedral across Angel Hill and through the Abbey Gate in a procession that echoes traditions from Medieval times. Around 200 people attended the procession and the service.

Rev Canon Matthew Vernon said: "I was deeply moved by the experience of processing into the Abbey Ruins and hearing the choir singing beautifully and sharing in the prayers that were spoken.

"People spoke to me about a connection with the sacred space and the prayers of past generations in the Abbey."

The monks and nuns from Benedictine communities around Britain and other countries came together for the first time in 500 years since the dissolution of the monasteries - all to mark Abbey 1000 celebrations.

They also gathered for 'Abiding Wisdom' which gave the opportunity for lay Benedictines and others to take part in workshops on how to apply Benedictine principles in modern life, as well as worship and fellowship.

A day-long pilgrimage, the Pilgrimage of Songs, took place on the Saturday. 80 pilgrims took part on the 7-mile walk from Chevington to St Edmundsbury Cathedral, singing a short service at churches along the way.