Preparations are well underway for the seventh annual Christmas at the Cathedral, a glittering celebration of Christmas performed 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 North East cancer charity, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation funds projects within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that directly benefit cancer patients from across north east England and Cumbria and which also contribute significantly to international research into 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 concert will take place in front of a sellout crowd on Thursday, December 13 at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle. The audience can expect the usual high caliber of entertainment as in previous years with established stars such as Jason Cook, Steffen Peddie, Charlie Hardwick, The Caffreys, Melissa Cavanagh, The Swing Bridge Singers, Chelsea Halfpenny, Paul Smith and Rachel Unthank confirming their appearance.
As well as the performers and stage crew working hard to make the event a success, a number of kind-hearted businesses have donated money, goods and services in a number of sponsorship deals.
Each sponsor has their own reasons for supporting both the concert and The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Keith Newman of Ulgham based Highlights PR was delighted to sponsor the concert for the fifth year.
“This is my way of kick-starting Christmas. I’ve worked on the project for many months now and it’s great to see it all starting to come together. As a Newcastle United supporter, I’ve a lot of respect for Sir Bobby as a person and the work that his Foundation is doing. My family like many others have been affected by Cancer and events like this go a long way to raising the profile of the Foundation and making people aware of symptoms which could save lives.”
Morpeth based Cyber Security expert, Dr Christopher Tait of Layer 7 IT Security said:
“Christmas is a time for families and to reflect on the New Year ahead. For many, they face an uncertain future and the work that the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation does will help many people in their battle against Cancer. I’m proud that Layer 7 has sponsored the concert once again and look forward to a great night of entertainment and fund raising.”
Lady Elsie Robson said: “I’m very grateful to all the sponsors who are supporting Christmas at the Cathedral this year. I hope they’ll enjoy the night as much as I know I will.”
Sir Bobby Robson launched his Foundation in 2008 and it has gone on to raise over £12 million to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.
The work funded 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.
Christmas at the Cathedral will take place on December 13 at 7pm.
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Photo shows: Lady Elsie, event organiser Jonathan Wallis, Producer Ray Laidlaw, Keith Newman and Chris Tait