Celebrating, Remembering and Supporting Local Charities at Newcastle Cathedral this Festive Season
Earlier this week, Newcastle Cathedral’s atmospheric Advent Procession of Light – featuring the Cathedral Choir – ushered in a season filled with uplifting concerts, moments of quiet reflection, and opportunities to support charities making a real difference in the region.
As the only cathedral in the UK dedicated to St Nicholas – the famously generous inspiration for Santa Claus – Newcastle Cathedral invites everyone to experience festive music, reflective services and acts of giving throughout Advent.
On Sunday 7 December at 7pm, the Northern Doctors Chorus – an ensemble of doctors, medical students and allied health professionals – will perform at the Cathedral for the first time, with tickets from £8.
Chorus Secretary Chris Howe says: “The choir are thrilled to be performing at Newcastle Cathedral for the first time. We've put together a mixed programme of Christmas music, readings and audience carols. Come along for an evening of festive singing to raise money for Médecins Sans Frontières and the Great North Air Ambulance Service in this beautiful historic building.”
Earlier that day at 3pm, Marie Curie’s Lights to Remember service will offer the community a chance to honour loved ones with memory lanterns, music and moments of reflection, while raising vital funds and awareness for Newcastle’s Marie Curie Hospice.
On Tuesday 9 December at 6:30pm, Crisis Skylight Newcastle’s Carol Service returns, featuring music from the Rock Choir alongside readings and traditional carols. Entry is free, with a suggested donation of £10 to support the charity’s work to end homelessness.
Throughout Advent, visitors can enjoy a pre-bookable three-course lunch at Café 16 in the Cathedral’s historic refectory for £30 per person. Proceeds support The Oswin Project, which helps prison leavers rebuild their lives through training and employment in hospitality. Guests are also invited to support Changing Lives’ Christmas Meal Appeal, now in its third year at Café 16, by donating £5 to provide hot meals and essential support for people experiencing homelessness.
The Dean of Newcastle, The Very Revd Lee Batson, says: “Newcastle Cathedral has been a beacon of light for the people of the city for hundreds of years – our tower once guided ships along the River Tyne. We’re delighted to be hosting such a wide variety of local groups to celebrate the joy of Christmas in the Cathedral this year, and hope that the services and concerts may bring light and wonder to all who attend.”
Further highlights include the Cathedral Choir’s ever-popular Candlelit Carols on 17 and 22 December at 7:30pm (tickets £21.50), where they will perform music from their brand-new album, O Nata Lux: Music for Advent, Christmas & Epiphany. Proceeds from the concerts and the album will support the Cathedral’s musical initiatives, including outreach sessions for local schools.
These events sit alongside a busy calendar of festive guided tours, organ recitals, and more than 22 weekly services of worship – many featuring the Cathedral Choir – all leading up to the joy and celebration of Christmas Day.
To book tickets for any of these events and explore the full festive programme, visit newcastlecathedral.org.uk/whats-on.
Image: The Dean of Newcastle speaking at a Christmas fundraising event, Photo by Steve Brock
