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 calibre 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.
Event organiser, Jonathan Wallis from Barnard Castle who runs his own successful chartered surveying practice said: “Christmas is a very special time of year. In the busy world we live in today, it is often easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas and the warmth it gives. Christmas at the Cathedral represents so much about that true meaning. It brings everyone together to celebrate and give whatever they can”.
Andrew Colling, Director of D and A Colling Electrical Services Ltd of Middleton-in Teesdale has a very personal reason to support The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
“Sir Bobby’s foundation helped my father Dennis greatly in the last two years of his life. This is my opportunity to thank them for the care and support we received – it’s my way of giving something back.”
Solicitor Michael McGarry who has offices in Barnard Castle Leyburn, Sedbergh and Hawes said:
“Christmas is a time to appreciate our families, our friends and our health. Supporting the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation is a way of making sure that if cancer strikes then the right help is available for those in need. “
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, Michael McGarry
Photo 2 Shows Andrew Colling