This year's festival will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, remember those who paid the ultimate price for their Country, and those who risk their life for liberty today. Despite only lasting 74 days, the Falklands War was one of the largest conflicts since WW2, with 30,000 British personnel involved and 255 people losing their lives.
Lieutenant Colonel Barney Barnbrook, Regional Director North East and Yorkshire at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity says,
“The Festival of Remembrance is one of our most important events of the year, giving the opportunity for the Region to commemorate the sacrifices of many, in conflict, over the years. This year will be extremely poignant, as we remember a more recent conflict, on the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.”
The programme for this year’s concert features narration by presenter and journalist Pam Royle, Major Cliff De Vos as guest speaker and music from Band of Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, 102 Battalion REME Pipe Band, Durham Musical Theatre Group, the Band and Bugles of Durham Army Cadet Force and Blue Light Choir. Award winning social enterprise group Enter CIC and acclaimed northern soprano Charlotte Potter will be in attendance.
Major Cliff De Vos from the Parachute Regiment, is one of the key guest speakers at this year's event. Major De Vos was aboard the RFA Sir Galahad when it was sunk by the Argentineans in the Falkland War. Also in attendance is Sgt Jamie Simeon of the Scots Guards, whose father was killed in action on Mount Tumbledown.
The Reverend Canon Michael Everitt, Canon Pastor at Durham Cathedral says,
"Remembering all those affected by war is part of the regular heartbeat of prayer and worship at Durham Cathedral, and we are glad to continue our partnership with the Festival of Remembrance. Through this spectacular evening of music and performance, the Festival will be raising money for an excellent cause, and bringing together the community to remember the extraordinary actions of those who serve our country. I am very much looking forward to welcoming all our guests and performers, including Lieutenant Colonel Barnbrook, Major Cliff De Vos and Sgt Jamie Simeon, to remember the Falklands War.”
All proceeds from ticket sales go towards the ABF The Soldiers Charity, the national charity of the British Army that supports soldiers, veterans and their families. Tickets are £18.50 and are available here.