Winter brings an exciting new season of events to Durham Cathedral with carols and concerts, along with interesting exhibitions and joyful services to usher in Advent and Christmas.
Colour floods the cathedral this autumn with the display of Solidarity Forever! Banners of the Durham Mining Community, which features 40 hand-painted banners. The banners will be displayed around the cathedral, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike of 1984-85, and celebrating the continuing solidarity of the Durham mining communities.
Plus don’t miss your chance to enjoy the colours of autumn along the riverbanks, and discover something new in the museum’s latest exhibition Daughters of God which takes a deep dive into the various roles women have played in the past and present at Durham Cathedral, as the cathedral marks 30 years since the first female priest was ordained.
Then moving into Advent season with a candlelit Advent Procession with Carols, Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols services, as well as Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services. December sees carol services galore, free children’s activity leaflets, and the chance to spend a quiet moment next to the towering Christmas tree or spotting the curious details in the cathedral’s mining-themed nativity scene.
If you are looking for unusual gifts you might be interested in a Stone Carving Workshop which, under expert tuition, you can hand try your hand at stone carving and learn more about this centuries-old heritage skill or treat someone to tickets to Christmas at the Movies featuring your favourite festive music.
For more details visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Daughters of God: Women at Durham Cathedral – Museum Exhibition
Monday 21 October 2024 – 16 February 2025
Take a deep dive into the various roles women have played in the past and present at Durham Cathedral, as we mark 30 years since the first female priest was ordained.
Book tickets – https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173621496/events/428658571
Image – https://durhamcathedra
Solidarity Forever! Banners of the Durham Mining Community
Tuesday 22 October – Thursday 7 November
Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike of 1984-85, and celebrating the continuing solidarity of the Durham mining communities, a colourful selection of banners from the region’s many union lodges will be displayed around Durham Cathedral this autumn.
Find out more – Solidarity Forever! Banners of the Durham Mining Community Exhibition at Durham Cathedral – Durham Cathedral
October Half Term
Saturday 26 October – Sunday 3 November
During usual opening hours, drop in and explore blockbuster filming locations, including the Chapter House or for kids 8 and over, climb the 325 steps to the top of the top. All those activities work up an appetite, you can refuel in the Undercroft café with a ‘kids eat free’ offer.
Find out more – https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/october24-half-term-activities
Make a Miners’ Banner: October half term crafting
Monday 28 November – Friday 1 November, 11am – 3pm
Take inspiration from the colourful Miners Banner display and create your own mini banner artwork to take home with you. This crafting activity will take place inside the cathedral, suitable for all weathers!
Find out more – https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/october24-half-term-activities
Fauré 100 – Violin and Piano recital by Fenella Humphreys and Martin Roscoe
Tuesday 29 October, 7.30pm
On the 100th anniversary of the death of Gabriel Fauré, this concert celebrates the composer’s
lyrical romanticism with works from the 1870s to the 1890s, including the great first Sonata.
A complete a programme that will transport you to the magic of fin-de-siècle Paris.
Book Tickets – https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656474
Prospects for US Politics: an election-day conversation with Fiona Hill
Tuesday 5 November, 2pm
What is at stake in this year’s US Presidential Election? Why do US politics matter for the UK and the world? Durham Cathedral Institute welcomes Dr Fiona Hill, Chancellor of Durham University and a former presidential advisor, to examine these issues in conversation with Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham.
Book Free Ticket – https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656142
Festival of Remembrance 2024
Saturday 9 November 2024, 7.30pm
For over a decade, the Festival of Remembrance has established itself as the iconic Remembrance event in the North East. Set within the historic sanctitude of Durham Cathedral, it commemorates the sacrifices of many in conflict over the years.
Book Tickets – https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173648062
Remembrance Sunday Service
Sunday 10 November, 10.15am
We are joined by representatives from our armed forces to remember those who have given their lives in service of their country, and those serving who put their lives at risk today.
Find out more – https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/remembrance-sunday-service
Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight
Friday 22nd November, 7.30pm
Get ready to unwrap the ultimate holiday treat as we embark on a jolly journey through the heart-warming and hilarious worlds of beloved Christmas films. A cinematic sleigh ride with classics like “White Christmas”, “Love Actually” and “The Holiday”.
Book Tickets – https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173655738
Chorister Experience Day
Saturday 23 November, 12:30pm
Do you know a child that loves to sing? Durham Cathedral Choir is looking for the next generation of Choristers. This is a unique opportunity for any child in school years 2-6 to sing with the Choristers in the Cathedral.
Enquire Here – https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/chorister-experience-day
Northern Sinfonia Winter Tour
Friday 29 November, 7.30pm
Royal Northern Sinfonia light up Durham Cathedral on a dark winter’s night with gorgeous classical music, carefully chosen to warm you up from the inside out. Maria Włoszczowska directs a selection of well-known favourites and lesser-known gems, including music by Bach and Vivaldi, all brimming with energy and excitement.
Book Tickets – https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656603
Advent Procession with Carols
Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December, 6pm
All are welcome to join this atmospheric service to mark the start of Advent. The service starts in darkness and the choir starts to sing at the west end of the cathedral as they move slowly through the building to the east end with the light growing as they go. See the cathedral in a different way as the choir and clergy process around the cathedral, with shimmering robes, choral music and Advent readings preparing us for Christmas.
Find Out More – https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/advent-procession-2024
Carols for All
Saturday 7 December, 11am & 1.30pm and Sunday 8 December, 2pm
Sing your favourite Christmas carols with family and friends at the Carols for All services in the cathedral. Enjoy 30 minutes of Christmas readings, prayers and carols.
Find Out More – https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/carols-for-all-2024
Children’s Lantern Parade and Saint Nicholas’ Service
Saturday 7 December, 2:30pm
The whole family are invited to light a lantern and join the parade. Leaving from the Market Place at 2.30pm, the Lantern Parade will follow the Chester-le-Street Salvation Army Band up to Palace Green, and arrive at Durham Cathedral for the St Nicholas’ Service at 3pm, where we sing our favourite carols.
Find Out More – www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/childrens-lantern-parade-and-saint-nicholas-service
Friends of Durham Cathedral Christmas Concert
Thursday 12 December, 7.30pm
Our ever-popular annual Friends Christmas Concert is back for another evening of festive favourites and carolling with Durham Cathedral Young Singers, Rock Choir North East and Consett Citadel Salvation Army Band!
Book Tickets – https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656876
Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols
Saturday 14 December, 6pm
Be transported back to the medieval monastery with Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. Sung in half-light hear the sounds of the Cathedral’s Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars, before the Choristers process through the cathedral singing. The service ends with Helena Pearson on the harp playing the sounds of Benjamin Britten and the Choristers singing the Ceremony of Carols.
Find Out More – www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/benjamin-brittens-ceremony-of-carols
Blessing of the Crib and Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Sunday 15 December, 3.30pm
In this service see the cathedrals giant Christmas tree is lit, and the nativity scene which was carved by a local miner, Michael Doyle and features unique north-eastern twist with a pit pony and miner, is blessed. Traditional hymns are sung and there is the opportunity for those who wish to donate presents which are distributed by The Salvation Army.
Find Out More – www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/blessing-of-the-crib-and-lighting-of-the-christmas-tree
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday 22 December, 6pm and Tuesday 24 December, 3pm
This traditional Advent services starts in darkness as a lone Chorister sings the first verse from Once in Royal David’s City, with choir joining in as the procession begins. Hymns are sung with Durham Cathedral Choir and members of the community give readings as we recount the Christmas story.
Find Out More – https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/festival-of-nine-lessons-and-carols
Midnight Mass
Tuesday 24 December 2024 & Wednesday 25 December, 11pmJoin us to celebrate the first Eucharist of Christmas as midnight strikes. Midnight Eucharist begins Christmastide, the festival of sacred and joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. All are welcome at this service, where we place the baby Jesus in his crib for the first time.
Find Out More – https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/midnight-mass
Image – https://durhamcathedral.box.com/s/w8hbfecx9iufg2lfrxyrvyc02vmj8moh
Christmas Day Services
Wednesday 25 December, 2024
To see services that will be held throughout the day please visit: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/visit-us/advent-and-christmas-2024
Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas
Friday 27 December, 7.30pm
Enjoy an outstanding musical evening in the days after Christmas with a performance of Vivaldi’s timeless classic, The Four Seasons. We are also delighted to include a performance of Mozart’s famous piano concerto in C Major and Corelli’s exquisite Christmas Concerto, the perfect additions to the festive programme.
Book Tickets – https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656928
Stone Carving Workshop
Saturday 11 January, Saturday 1 February, Saturday 22 February, Saturday 1 March, Saturday 22 March, 9am – 4pm
Under expert tuition, spend the full day trying your hand at stone carving and learning more about this centuries old heritage skill. Working with our stonemasons who will guide you through how to carve either a St Cuthbert’s cross or a leaf, teaching you the skills that have been used for over one thousand years at the cathedral.
Book Tickets – https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173633650