The Diocese of Nottingham's annual Lourdes pilgrimage, 13–17 July 2026, flying from East Midlands Airport. Open to all ages. Young Adult Helper places (18–35) available.
There's a moment in Lourdes — usually somewhere between the candlelit procession and the Mass in the underground basilica — when something shifts. People who came expecting a religious holiday find themselves in tears without quite knowing why. People who came because their parish group needed a fourth person find themselves staying an extra hour at the Grotto. Lourdes does something to you that doesn't happen elsewhere.
The Diocese of Nottingham's annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, travels from East Midlands Airport from Monday 13 to Friday 17 July 2026. The 2026 pastoral theme is "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28).
Pilgrimage places are booked through Tangney Tours — link below. For questions about the main pilgrimage, contact Fr Simon Gillespie, Deputy Director of the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage: simon.gillespie@dicoeseofnottingham.uk
Young people and school groups travelling with the pilgrimage should contact Fr Simon Gillespie for information and arrangements.
This is a new offering and a genuinely missional one. Young adults aged 18–35 can join the pilgrimage not as participants but as servants of it — carrying banners in processions, supporting music ministry, serving at Mass, assisting with wheelchair support and airport transfers, helping with catechesis sessions, and being part of the evening community life that makes Lourdes what it is. There's dedicated spiritual formation built in — talks, reflections, time to pray together — and it ends with friendships that tend to last.
If you've wondered what your faith looks like when it's being lived rather than studied, this is worth considering. Contact Charles Archer, Young Adult Ministry Lead: charles.archer@dioceseofnottingham.uk or 0115 953 9850.
Is the pilgrimage open to everyone, or just practising Catholics? The pilgrimage is led by the Diocese of Nottingham and centred on Catholic prayer and the sacraments. It is open to anyone travelling in a spirit of openness. If you're unsure whether it's for you, contact Fr Simon Gillespie for a conversation.
What does it cost, and is financial help available? Full pricing is available through Tangney Tours at the booking link below. If cost is a concern, contact the pilgrimage team before ruling it out.
Do I need to be able to walk? No. Assisted pilgrims are central to the Lourdes pilgrimage, not an afterthought. Contact Fr Simon Gillespie to discuss specific access or care needs.
What airport does the pilgrimage fly from? East Midlands Airport, with a return flight to and from Lourdes Airport.
I'm aged 18–35. Can I come as a helper rather than a regular pilgrim? Yes — and there's a separate booking for that. See the Young Adult Helper section above, or contact Charles Archer directly.
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