Tax, Benefits & Cost of LivingEntertainment

Christmas concert at Trappist abbey cancelled over energy costs

The annual Christmas concert at Our Lady of Kingshoeven Abbey in Berkel-Enschot was cancelled because heating the abbey church had become too expensive. The organisers said they could no longer charge an appropriate entrance fee because the costs would exceed the proceeds. The concert had previously been cancelled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Trappists are exploring other ways to support a charity, including through the Monastery Shop, and are considering a summer concert. No concerts are being held in the abbey church during the winter to limit energy consumption. Sunday Mass is instead held in the smaller St Joseph Chapel, which requires less heating and lighting.