Kind Hearted Businesses Get Behind the Christmas at the Cathedral event
Preparations are well underway for the ninth annual Christmas at the Cathedral, a glittering celebration of Christmas preformed by some of the region’s biggest names in music, TV, comedy, sport, and entertainment.
This year, the star-studded show will once again raise funds for one of the region’s most endearing charities, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Sir Bobby Robson launched his Foundation in 2008 and it has gone on to raise over £16m to help find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer, working within the NHS and in partnership with other leading charities and organisations.
Part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation funds a range of cutting-edge cancer treatments and innovative cancer support services that directly benefit patients from across the North East and Cumbria and which play a significant role in the international fight against the disease.
Vital funds will be raised from the concert as a host of celebrity stars perform songs, readings, and comedy sketches while choirs will sing both traditional festive songs and Christmas Carols. The sold-out concert will take place on Thursday, December 15 at Newcastle Cathedral. The audience can expect the usual high calibre of entertainment as in previous years but as ever the lineup is a closely guarded secret.
As well as the performers and stage crew working hard to make the event a success, several kindhearted businesses have donated money, goods and services in a number of sponsorship deals.
From Alnwick, The Real Taste of Northumberland provide catering to the artists involved in the show. Adele Johnson said: “We are extremely proud to sponsor Christmas at the Cathedral and the wonderful work it does in showcasing local talent and raising funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. It’s a charity close to our own heart, as cancer has taken a few of my family and friends and the work this charity does to help is more than fantastic.”
From Morpeth, Keith Newman from Highlights PR has been supporting the event for six years. “This is a great way to start the Christmas festivities. A fantastic show which is also raising much needed funds for the charity.”
Also from Morpeth, Chris Tait from Layer Seven IT Security said: “We’ve sponsored the event once again as it’s a legacy for a great man who did so much for our region and now, we all have a chance to pay a small back to his charity which is helping so many people.”
From North Tyneside, several businesses have pledged support. Nigel Devine from Orbis Support in North Shields said: “Orbis are honoured to sponsor this event. We are delighted to come together as part of this community event and celebrate our festive season in the spirit of inclusiveness.”
Other sponsors from North Tyneside include The View, Tynemouth Longsands, Remy & Rose, Tyne Idols, Deli Round the Corner, Made to Treasure Events and Karen Goldfinch Your Business Pilot.
“This is a wonderful event full of cheer and smiles. It’s an amazing venue too but the best part is raising money for such a good cause,” Karen Goldfinch
From Newcastle, the Gainford Group who operate The Vermont Hotel and The County Hotel have also pledged their support as Area Manager Claire Flint explains:
“The Gainford Group have been a proud sponsor of Christmas at the Cathedral for many years now and will continue to do so. Sir Bobby Robson was a Northeast legend, and his Foundation keeps his legacy alive and helps so many people, in their daily fight against cancer. We are honoured to play a small part in helping towards that.”
Other Newcastle sponsors include The Bigger Picture Agency, Greggs, PPD Print Group and media partners BBC Radio Newcastle.
In the Durham area, mind set coach and entrepreneur James Palmer is delighted to support the event once again. “I’m supporting The Bobby Robson Foundation because the work it does is exceptional. Bobby was such a people person, and the Foundation carries forward that North East spirit and good feeling that he epitomised.”
Michael McGarry from Barnard Castle solicitors McGarry and Co said: “I always look forward to Christmas at the Cathedral as it has become the start of Christmas to me and many, not just because it is festive and fun, but also because in a direct way, following the teachings of Christ, we can help those in need, through the trauma of Cancer. We are so fortunate that we are able to give something back through this event via the incomparable Bobby Robson Foundation.”
Also from Barnard Castle, event organiser Jonathan Wallis praised all of the sponsors for their support: “Without the help of our sponsors donating goods and services or paying for other necessities for the show we would be unable to put on such a good show. I am truly grateful and thank each and every one of them.”
Lady Elsie Robson commented:
We are so grateful to everyone supporting this wonderful Christmas event. I’m very happy to hear tickets sold out so quickly but not at all surprised. It’s a fantastic evening and always has a very special atmosphere.
Ends
Photo shows: Sponsors at the Cathedral
Left to right Keith Newman James Palmer Julie Clay Nigel Devine Jonathan Wallace Emma McQuitty Bertie Foster Sue Hooper Claire Flint Paul Irwin (the Bigger Picture)