Organisers of the Christmas at the Cathedral show met for a pre-Yuletide planning meeting at St James’ Park in tribute to the pioneering fundraising begun by former Newcastle United manager, Sir Bobby Robson.
The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, is thrilled to announce its 11th annual entertainment show, Christmas at the Cathedral, will take place on Thursday, 19th December.
This popular fundraising event, held at Newcastle Cathedral, has become a local festive staple, renowned for its star-studded lineup and festive ambiance. For many, including Lady Elsie, this event marks the beginning of their Christmas celebrations.
Tickets for this year’s Christmas at the Cathedral will go on sale on Friday, 2nd August. The show promises another evening of exceptional entertainment, featuring a mix of celebrities and local stars delivering songs, readings, and comedy sketches, all wrapped in a heart-warming Christmas theme.
The roster of performers is being kept under wraps, adding to the excitement and anticipation. Past events have featured personalities such as Tim Healy, Melanie Hill, Billy Mitchell, Chelsea and Jill Halfpenny, Charlie Hardwick, Catherine Dryden, Jimmy Nail, Paul Smith, Rachel Unthank, Steffen Peddie, Stephen Tomkinson, The Caffreys, The Futureheads, and Lorraine Crosby.
With the generous support of attendees and sponsors, including this year’s main sponsor Layer 7 IT Security from Ashington, the Christmas at the Cathedral show has become a treasured community tradition. State of the art lighting and sound systems will transform Newcastle Cathedral into a captivating theatrical venue, with large TV screens ensuring every moment is enjoyed by all. Ray Laidlaw, former drummer of Lindisfarne, will once again produce the show, continuing the tradition of top-quality entertainment while honouring Sir Bobby Robson’s enduring legacy
Work funded by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation directly benefits cancer patients in the North East and Cumbria and plays a significant role in the international fight against the disease – funding cutting edge cancer treatment and innovative cancer support services and including the clinical trials of new drugs at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre.
Jonathan Wallis from Barnard Castle, the event organiser, expressed his excitement: “Being part of Christmas at the Cathedral is a wonderful annual experience not only for myself but all the people who support us and the Foundation. The added benefit is raising funds and awareness of the work of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”
Principle sponsor of the event Chris Tait CEO of Layer 7 IT Security said:” Layer 7 is honoured to support and sponsor Christmas at the Cathedral in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. This event not only celebrates the festive season but also contributes to a cause close to our hearts. We are committed to giving back to the community and supporting the Foundation’s incredible work in cancer research and patient care.”
Lady Elsie Robson added: “This is such a special event for our Foundation and for many people who have come to think of it as a lovely festive tradition. Certainly, that’s how I feel about it.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together to enjoy some fantastic Christmas entertainment and help support the work of Bob’s Foundation too. We’re very grateful to everyone who supports Christmas at the Cathedral and I’ve no doubts it will be as popular as ever this year.”
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Photo 1 : The organising team [The Bigger Picture Agency]
Photo 2 : Jonathan Wallis and Ray Laidlaw with main sponsor Chris Tait [The Bigger Picture Agency]
PR and Media – Christmas at the Cathedral Keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951
Editors Notes
Companies interested in supporting the event through sponsorship or VIP ticket packages are encouraged to email jonathan@jonathanwalliscs.co.uk.
Make this Christmas season one to remember by joining us for Christmas at the Cathedral on 19th December. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the show starts at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available from 10am Friday 2nd August from the Theatre Royal box office on 0844 811 2121.
About the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation:
Sir Bobby Robson launched his Foundation in 2008 and it has gone on to raise more than £20 million to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.
Work funded by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation directly benefits cancer patients in the North East and Cumbria and plays a significant role in the international fight against the disease – funding cutting-edge cancer treatment and innovative cancer support services and including the clinical trials of new drugs at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre.
Sir Bobby described his charity as his “last and greatest team.” He had no idea how large his team would grow, or how much it would go on to achieve.
Managed within Newcastle Hospitals Charity, the Foundation works within the NHS and in partnership with other leading charities and organisations.
For more information, please visit: www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk
About Newcastle Hospitals Charity:
Newcastle Hospitals Charity is the official charity of Newcastle Hospitals and supports initiatives that help to improve the health and wellbeing of the patients, staff and communities of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through compassionate and innovative healthcare, education and research.
In 2023/24 supporters of Newcastle Hospitals Charity helped to support over 600 projects totalling over £7.5million for the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.