FESTIVE FUN WITH CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL

A sell-out crowd of 900 people packed St Nicholas’ Cathedral in Newcastle last week for a wonderful festive fundraising night.

The long-running Christmas at the Cathedral event is a popular annual charity evening and, for the last three years, has raised funds for our Foundation.

A hugely talented cast generously gave up their time to perform songs, readings and comedy sketches, while a choir sang traditional festive songs and Christmas Carols, with a little help from the audience.

This year’s high-profile performers thrilled the audience at every turn. The line-up included Charlie Hardwick, Billy Michell, Steffen Peddie, The Caffreys, Melissa Cavanagh, Viktoria Kay, The Swing Bridge Singers, Duncan McCrone, Chelsea Halfpenny, Ray Laidlaw, Maximo Park’s Paul Smith and Rachel Unthank.

There was a surprise, special guest appearance by Jimmy Nail, who sang beautifully, and a moving reading from Sir Bobby’s final book by our Patron, George Caulkin.

And, if you were unable to attend the event, you will still be able to hear a very special hour-long version of Christmas at the Cathedral thanks to BBC Radio Newcastle, who are broadcasting it at 4pm on Christmas Eve and 6pm on Christmas Day.

Lady Elsie says: “This has become one of my favourite nights of the year, combining, as it does, fundraising for our Foundation and wonderful songs and performances. And all in such a glorious setting.

“Bob was a huge fan of live music so this night would have been perfect for him, too. He would be hugely grateful, as am I, to everyone who supports this event.

“Like all of us, Bob wanted to reach the point where cancer doesn’t create the fear it can now. And we’re getting there. Every new treatment or approach, every new drug, is helping us find better ways to detect and treat cancer.”

As well as the performers and stage crew working hard to make the event a success, a host of local businesses helped by sponsoring the occasion.

Our thanks to all the performers, event organisers and sponsors (below) and everyone who bought a ticket. A wonderful night, as you can see by our gallery of photos!

Vermont Hotel,(Gainford Group), Highlights PR, TyneIdols, Layer 7 IT Security, Made to Treasure Events, McGarry & Co, Nixon Hire, D & A Colling, The Real Taste of Northumberland, Jonathan Wallis Chartered Surveyor, Vintage Tea Party and (Media Partner) BBC Newcastle.