York Minster has been hosting the 2026 National 12-Bell Striking Contest Final today (Saturday 20 June) bringing together some of the finest bell ringers in the United Kingdom for a day of music, skill and celebration.
This year is especially significant for York Minster as it marks the centenary of its current ring of twelve bells, cast by John Taylor & Co and installed in 1926.
For one hundred years these bells have rung out across the city, calling people to worship, marking national occasions, and celebrating moments of joy and remembrance in the life of York and the nation.
Today those same bells have been providing the challenge for the country’s leading twelve-bell bands as they compete for the prestigious Taylor Trophy.
The contest is back in York for the first time since 1999, when the home band famously won on its own bells.
Visitors are enjoying a day filled with the sound of outstanding ringing in a setting renowned throughout the world.
Contest ringing results will be announced later.
Finalists this year include bands from London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Guildford, Leeds and York, creating a particularly exciting Yorkshire rivalry as Leeds challenges the home team on York’s own bells.
The National 12-Bell Striking Contest has been held annually since 1975 and is widely regarded as the premier competition in the art of change ringing.
Further details, timetable and results are available at 12bell.org.uk/york2026.
