One of Gqeberha’s historic landmarks is turning 160, and the milestone will be celebrated with an afternoon of classical music inside the cathedral.
St Augustine’s Cathedral will mark its 160th anniversary with a special concert on Sunday, 30 August 2026, featuring staff and students from Nelson Mandela University’s Department of Music and Performing Arts.
The anniversary concert will take place inside the historic cathedral on John Kani Road, giving audiences the opportunity to experience classical music within a building that has formed part of Gqeberha’s landscape since 1866.
Celebrating 160 years of Gqeberha history
Situated on Prospect Hill opposite the Opera House, St Augustine’s Cathedral is one of the city’s historic religious landmarks.
The foundation stone was laid in 1861 and the Neo-Gothic church was completed and consecrated in 1866, originally serving the city’s growing Catholic community, including early Irish Catholic immigrants.
Father Thomas Murphy played a central role in the establishment of the church and is buried beneath its high altar.
The church officially became a cathedral in 1939 and today serves as the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Port Elizabeth.
Its architecture, historic steeple and stained-glass windows have made the cathedral a recognisable part of Gqeberha Central for generations.
The 2026 anniversary is being commemorated under the theme “A Jubilee of Faith and Mission: 1866–2026.”
Music to fill the historic cathedral
For the anniversary concert, staff and students from Nelson Mandela University’s Department of Music and Performing Arts will present a programme showcasing a range of classical music.
Audiences can expect performances featuring brass ensemble, organ, vocalists and guitar.
The cathedral itself is expected to form an important part of the experience, with the concert giving visitors an opportunity to hear the music performed within the historic venue.
Whether you’re a classical music lover, interested in local history or simply looking for something different to do in Gqeberha, the afternoon offers a chance to celebrate 160 years of one of the city’s landmarks.
St Augustine’s Cathedral 160th Anniversary Concert details
Date: Sunday, 30 August 2026
Time: 15:00
Venue: St Augustine’s Cathedral, John Kani Road, Gqeberha Central
Tickets: R90 per person
Parking: Safe parking will be available at Market Square at the bottom of John Kani Road.
Tickets can be booked through Quicket.
For enquiries, contact Siobhan Dooley on 072 836 7471 or email siobhan@careministry.co.za.
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