Eleventh Annual Christmas at the Cathedral to Shine Bright in Aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation
Preparations are in full swing for the eleventh annual Christmas at the Cathedral, a spectacular celebration of the season featuring some of the North East’s biggest names in music, television, comedy, and entertainment. This star-studded event, taking place on Thursday, December 12 at Newcastle Cathedral, is set to deliver another unforgettable evening while raising funds for the beloved Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Founded by Sir Bobby Robson in 2008, the Foundation has raised millions to support groundbreaking cancer detection and treatment efforts. Part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, it funds state-of-the-art treatments and essential support services across the North East and Cumbria, playing a vital role in the global fight against cancer.
This year, audiences can anticipate an evening of exceptional entertainment, although the specific lineup remains a closely guarded secret. Joining the performers are a dedicated team of event staff and generous local businesses that have contributed to the success of this charity event through sponsorship and donations of goods and services.
Numerous North East businesses have stepped forward to support the event. Principal sponsor this year is Northumberland farmer and business man Chris Tait who runs Layer 7 an IT consultancy. He is giving up looking after his farm in East Wingate to attend the event.
“Layer 7 and I are immensely proud to be part of this event. Contributing to a cause that truly makes a difference is incredibly special. The festive season is often filled with joy, but it also reminds us of the profound impact of kindness and generosity. When we come together to support those in need, we remind ourselves of the true spirit of Christmas: giving, sharing, and caring for one another. It is with great honour that we lend our support to ‘Christmas at the Cathedral.’
Other sponsors include The Real Taste of Northumberland from Alnwick, which will provide handmade mince pies for VIPs. Representative Adele Johnson shared, “We have supported this fantastic charity over the years and will continue to do so. It’s close to our hearts, and we are committed to doing what we can to help in the search for a cure.”
From Morpeth, Keith Newman of Highlights PR has been supporting the event for a number of years. ”This is the start of my Christmas and a reminder to think about the great work of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”
Across North Tyneside, additional sponsors include Tyne Idols, Deli Around the Corner, Made to Treasure Events, Karen Goldfinch Your Business Pilot, and The Low Lights Tavern.
In Newcastle, the Gainford Group, which operates The Vermont Hotel and The County Hotel, has continued its support. Claire Flint, Area Manager, remarked, “We are honoured to play a small part in helping towards the fight against cancer.”
In the Durham area, James Palmer, a mindset coach and entrepreneur, expressed his ongoing support, noting, “The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation embodies the caring spirit of the Geordie nation.”
Also in Durham, the building sector in Durham is bringing both goodwill and a touch of holiday spirit to this year’s Christmas at the Cathedral.
Local industry leaders from a group of builders and land agents have shown support by sponsoring the event. Bellway Homes Durham, Miller Homes Teesside and Wisemove were approached by event organiser Jonathan Wallis who has his own Chartered Surveyors business in Barnard Castle.
“It’s wonderful to see colleagues I work with showing support for this cause. We all work closely together, and I’m delighted that they have all decided to sponsor the event. Graeme Blenkinsopp from Wisemove Land Agents in Durham agreed. “We all see the effort that goes into the organisation of the show but what we also see is the reaction to it on the night and the fundraising aspect too. An event like this deserves all the support it can get.”
Frank Lincoln MD of Bellway Homes Durham added, “It’s a great cause and Bellway Homes is proud to play a part in supporting it.” Fellow Director John Jameson Area Land Director of Miller Homes Teesside is also looking forward to the event. “Sir Bobby was and still is a local icon and the work his charity does has a positive impact on so many people. We to are proud to support the night.”
Lady Elsie Robson expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Foundation: “Even I have no idea what entertainment to expect and I love that it all comes as a surprise. I do know that, as ever, it will be a wonderful show packed with hugely talented performers who have all given up their valuable time to support The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. To be thinking of others is, for me, the real spirt of Christmas and it is greatly appreciated.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has bought a ticket, to all the performers, sponsors and organisers, and to everyone who has contributed in any way. The money raised will help us continue the work my husband began when he launched his Foundation and will help us find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer right here in Newcastle.”
Jonathan Wallis added, “We started this in 2012 and every year it gets better and better. We have a great team involved from behind the scenes to the performers and the sponsors too. I’d like to thank everyone for their contribution to making the show what it is year on year.”
Ends
Photos
The Bigger Picture
