Five-day river pilgrimage to highlight decline of the Wye

The statue of Our Lady of the Wye sets out from Hay-on-Wye this August on a five-day voyage by canoe through Herefordshire — an annual pilgrimage to raise awareness of the declining state of the river amid rising pollution.

The pilgrimage will begin on 15 August with Mass at St Mary's, Hay, followed by a procession through the town to the launch point near Hay Bridge, where the statue will depart by canoe between 11.30am and noon. It will arrive at The Boat, Whitney-on-Wye by 3pm, ahead of Evensong at Ss Peter & Paul, Whitney-on-Wye at 5pm.

The following day, 16 August, brings Patronal Mass at St Mary's, Hay at 11am, followed by Vespers at St Thomas & St Bede Catholic Church, Weobley at 3.30pm.

On 17 August the statue departs Whitney at 11am, reaching Bredwardine Bridge by 4.30pm. The evening brings Gregorian chant with the monks of Belmont Abbey at St Michael & All Angels, Moccas at 6.30pm, with wine and canapés to follow.

Departure from Bredwardine Bridge on 18 August is set for approximately 9am, with the statue arriving at Hereford Cathedral in time for Evensong at 5.30pm, followed by a party in the Old Chapel at 6.30pm.

The voyage concludes on 19 August, departing Hereford Cathedral at 10am and arriving at Hoarwithy by 5pm, where Evensong at St Catherine's, Hoarwithy at 6.30pm — sung by Ross Parish Church Choir — brings the pilgrimage to a close.