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Concerts and evening events

See upcoming events and major services at the cathedral.

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Junior Church

Various dates and times

Children aged 0 to 18 are invited to learn more about the Christian Gospel through storytelling and exciting craft activities every Sunday during term time.

Lent Talks 2026

Various dates 4:30pm

This Lent, you are invited to a series of discussions with leading figures in the world of the creative arts in conversation with Reverend Canon Michael Hampel

A Treasure and a Legacy: Conservation at Durham Cathedral

Various dates and times

Monday 9 March to Sunday 28 June

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Durham Cathedral being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, delve deeper into the architecture and how people have cared for the building over the centuries, enabling it to remain a beacon of faith while preserving and passing on our rich Christian heritage.

Tower climb

Conquer the 325 spiral steps to the top of our Central Tower from where you can enjoy unrivalled views over our historic city of Durham.

Cathedral tour

Various dates and times

Join our experienced guides on a one hour tour of the Cathedral to learn the fascinating history of the building and those who have lived and worshipped on this site for over a thousand years.

The Music of The Lord of The Rings. Tribute to Howard Shore

Friday 13 March 2026 7:30pm

Experience the majestic and timeless music of the legendary Lord of the Rings films in a breathtaking concert that will transport you straight into the heart of Tolkien’s universe.

Stone Carving Workshop

Various dates 9:00am

Under expert tuition, try your hand at stone carving and learn more about this centuries old heritage skill.

Evensong in Celebration of County Durham Life and in thanksgiving for Dame Susan Snowdon’s time as HM Lord-Lieutenant

Saturday 14 March 2026 3:30pm

Lent Talks: Encountering God through the creative arts with Peter Taylor on television

Sunday 15 March 2026 4:30pm

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts. This Sunday explores the topic of television, with Peter Taylor, LVO, is Head of Operations at BBC Studios and oversees the broadcasts of major national events such as Elizabeth II’s funeral service and Charles III’s Coronation.

Durham Cathedral Museum Highlights Tour

Book your ticket for a 1-hour highlight tour of Durham Cathedral Museum with an expert guide and discover 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith.

Durham University Chamber Choir: I Heard a Voice from Heaven

Monday 16 March 20267:30pm

This Epiphany concert by Durham University Chamber Choir takes the listener on a profound journey from intense passion and lament through to the delivery of content in a programme of contemporary compositions by English, American and Polish composers.

Durham University Palatinate Orchestra - Tchaikovsky’s Symphony Pathétique

Wednesday 18 March 20267:30pm

Durham University Palatinate Orchestra’s 90-piece Symphony Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, his Pathétique Symphony, and music by Elgar and Pejačević in Durham Cathedral.

Embroidery Tour

Various dates 1:00pm

Durham Cathedral is home to a fascinating collection of ecclesiastical textiles ranging from very rare and unique Angl-Saxon examples to 20th and 21st century work by its Broderers, a group of highly skilled traditional embroiderers. Join us on a tour of the Cathedral to explore a range of textiles.

St Cuthbert's Day Celebrations

Friday 20 March 2026 & Saturday 21 March 2026 All day

Join us to celebrate St Cuthbert's day with Evensong and Eucharist services, pilgrimage and family craft activities.

Cathedral Secret Spaces Tour

Various dates 1:00pm

This unique tour makes an ideal experience for those wanting to delve deeper into history and see parts of Durham Cathedral that are rarely open to the public. Step into the cathedral’s prison cell (if you dare!) and get up close with rare books in the 350 year old Refectory Library.

Lent Talks: Encountering God through the creative arts with Mel Howse on art

Sunday 22 March 2026 4:30pm

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts. This Sunday explores the topic of art, Mel Howse, who is an award-winning artist and architectural enameller. Mel created the Illumination Window which is located in the North Quire Aisle at Durham Cathedral.

Marian Art in Durham Cathedral

Various dates 11:00am

Join Professor Jane Heath from the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University on this specially curated tour of the Marian Art in Durham Cathedral.

Sung Eucharist with Procession of Palms and Reading of Passion

Sunday 29 March 2026 10:30am

Beginning outside of Palace Green, the clergy process into the Cathedral, echoing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Members of the congregation are given palm crosses, representing Christ’s victory over death on the cross.

Lent Talks: Encountering God through the creative arts with Sir James MacMillan on music

Sunday 29 March 2026 4:30pm

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts in conversation with Reverend Canon Michael Hampel. This Sunday explores the topic of music, with Sir James MacMillan, CBE, is a conductor and composer of sacred choral and orchestral music.

St John Passion performed by Durham Cathedral Choir and the Avison Ensemble

Sunday 29 March 2026 6:00pm

Begin Holy Week with a poignant performance of St John Passion, performed by Durham Cathedral Choir and the Avison Ensemble.

Holy Week Eucharist for the Monday of Holy Week

Monday 30 March 2026 5:30pm

Join us for a simple celebration of Eucharist on the Monday of Holy Week at 5.30pm.

Holy Week Eucharist for the Tuesday of Holy Week

Tuesday 31 March 2026 5:30pm

Join us for a simple celebration of Eucharist on the Tuesday of Holy Week at 5.30pm.

Holy Week Eucharist for the Wednesday of Holy Week

Wednesday 1 April 2026 5:30pm

Join us for a simple celebration of Eucharist on the Wednesday of Holy Week at 5.30pm.

Chrism Eucharist

Thursday 2 April 2026 11:00am

During this service, three holy oils are blessed to be used throughout services in Durham Diocese for the rest of the year.

The Liturgy of Maundy Thursday: Stripping of the Altars and a Watch at the Altar of Repose

Thursday 2 April 2026 7:30pm

During this service, the Dean washes the feet of members of the community, and the clergy echo scenes from the Last Supper and performs the 'Judas Cup' Ceremony.

Good Friday: The Three Hours

Friday 3 April 2026 12:00pm

In the Liturgy of Good Friday we mark the Death of Christ through preaching, choral music and prayer.

Easter Vigil Service of Readings

Saturday 4 April 2026 5:30pm

On Holy Saturday, we commemorate the burial of Jesus and watch and wait for his resurrection, as we hear prophecies from the Hebrew scriptures about the Messiah rising from the grave. In this service, we begin our vigil, which continues the following morning in the Easter Liturgy.

Easter Day - Dawn Eucharist with Baptism and Confirmation

Sunday 5 April 2026

Easter Sunday marks the day when Jesus rose again. Join us for a day of services as we triumph of light over dark.

Easter holiday activities 2026

Various dates

Get crafty painting your own pebble to reflect on the Easter message of the empty tomb or join a free family-friendly mini tour and discover something new.

Tunde of Lighthouse Family Live

Friday 17 April 2026 7:30pm

Hear Pop-Soul Singer, Tunde, of Lighthouse Family perform live with a full band.

The Music Of Bruce Springsteen By Candlelight

Various dates 7:30pm

Thursday 23 & Friday 24 April, 7.30pm

Hayao Miyazaki's Dreams by Mystery Ensemble

Friday 1 May 2026 7:30pm

The Miyazaki Dreams concert is an immersion in the fabulous atmosphere of the films of the world-famous Japanese director and Oscar winner Hayao Miyazaki. Mystery Ensemble has collected magical music from his anime and compositions inspired by his creations.

The Music of Ed Sheeran by Candlelight

Various dates 7:30pm

Thursday 7 & Friday 8 May 2026 at 7.30pm

Online Quiet Day: The gift of Celtic tradition

Saturday 9 May 2026 8:00am

Join us for this Online Quiet Day, with video reflections, live-streamed services and prayers.

Durham Choral Society - Lux Aeterna, Morten Lauridsen and Mass in D Major, Dvořák

Saturday 16 May 20267:30pm

Durham Choral Society returns to Durham Cathedral for an uplifting and deeply contemplative evening of choral music, bringing together two radiant masterworks that explore faith, light and spiritual hope.

Pentecost Praise at Durham Cathedral

Sunday 24 May 2026 6:30pm

Pentecost Praise is a celebratory service hosted by Durham Cathedral in partnership with local churches. It offers an opportunity for Christians to gather together to give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church, and to celebrate and pray for God’s work in the world today.

Durham Cathedral Institute: Cuthbert, Bede and the Renewal of Culture with Tom Holland

Tuesday 26 May 20267:30pm

Durham Cathedral – Tuesday 26 May at 7.30pm

Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto

Saturday 20 June 2026 7:30pm

Step into the tranquil glow of candlelight and enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical music in the stunning surroundings of Durham Cathedral, performed by Warren Mailley-Smith and The Piccadilly Sinfonietta.

Online Quiet Day: The Benedictine Way

Friday 10 July 2026 8:00am

Join us for this Online Quiet Day, with video reflections, live-streamed services and prayers.

Online Quiet Day: The Franciscan Charism

Thursday 24 September 2026 8:00am

Join us for this Online Quiet Day, with video reflections, live-streamed services and prayers.

Carrie Hope Fletcher: The Ghost Light Tour

Thursday 22 October 2026 7:30pm

Carrie Hope Fletcher (Heathers, Cinderella, Calamity Jane), one of the UK’s most beloved musical theatre stars, is set to light up cathedrals across the UK in her breathtaking new Ghost Light concert tour.

Online Quiet Day: The Wisdom of the Carmelites

Saturday 21 November 2026 8:00am

Join us for this Online Quiet Day, with video reflections, live-streamed services and prayers.

G4 Christmas 2026

Monday 23 November 2026 7:30pm

Gather to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as G4 bring glad tidings of great joy this festive season, with the return of their ‘G4 Christmas’ tour in the most awe-inspiring cathedrals, priories, minsters, halls and abbeys across the UK.