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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 10:00am

Children from Reception to Year 6 are invited to learn more about the Christian Gospel through storytelling and exciting craft activities every Sunday during term time.

The World comes to Durham: Museum Exhibition

Various dates 10:00am

See fragments of flasks, bottles and jugs from the 1600s, manuscripts and jewellery in the latest collection gallery exhibition. Learn more about the people who travelled to Durham, the items they brought and the journeys they took in the latest collection gallery exhibition.

Durham Cathedral Museum

Book your ticket to explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum at your own pace. Last entry is 30 minutes before closure.

Tower climb

Conquer the 325 steps and enjoy unrivalled views over the historic city of Durham and see recently-completed restoration work up close.

Cathedral tour

Various dates and times

Discover Durham Cathedral's hidden history on a tour with one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides.

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.

Friends of Durham Cathedral Christmas Concert

Wednesday 6 December 20237:30pm

Join us for the Friends’ Annual Christmas Concert on Wednesday 6th December, 7.30pm at Durham Cathedral. Durham Cathedral Young Singers, Rock Choir North East and the Consett Citadel Salvation Army Band are back to perform some festive favourites.

People gathered for a Christmas Day service

NHS Carol Service

Thursday 7 December 2023 7:30pm

Past and present NHS staff will join with family and friends in a traditional Christmas carol service of readings, carols and a Christmas message.

Christmas with the Choirs of Durham Cathedral and EverReady Band

Saturday 9 December 20237:30pm

In celebration of the Christmas season, join us as we sing some of the best-loved carols and tell the story of Christmas through words and music in an evening not to be missed.
Watch as the evening begins in darkness and the cathedral choirs move through the darkness bringing tidings of joy.

Blessing of the Crib and Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Sunday 10 December 2023 3:30pm

Join us as the cathedral’s giant Christmas tree is lit and the nativity scene is blessed.

G4 Christmas

Monday 11 December 2023 7:30pm

Experience sumptuous harmonies of G4 in the idyllic, festive setting of Durham Cathedral.

Christmas by Candlelight

Various dates 7:30pm

This event has sold out. An incredible West End Cast and live band perform classic Christmas Hits as you have never heard them before!

Mencap Carol Service

Saturday 16 December 2023 2:30pm

A carol service organised by Mencap, a charity working to improve the lives of those with learning disabilities.

St Cuthbert's Hospice Light Up a Life Service

Sunday 17 December 2023 7:00pm

Remember and celebrate the lives of lost loved ones this Christmas.

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Various dates

Friday 22 December, 6pm and Sunday 24 December, 3pm. Sing hymns with Durham Cathedral Choir and hear members of the community give readings as we recount the Christmas story.

Midnight Mass

Sunday 24 December 2023 & Monday 25 December 2023 11:00pm

Join us to celebrate the first Eucharist of Christmas as midnight strikes.

Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas

Wednesday 27 December 20237:30pm

Enjoy an outstanding musical evening in the days after Christmas with a performance of Vivaldi's timeless classic, The Four Seasons, in the spectacular candlelit setting of Durham Cathedral. Featuring some of the UK's most exceptional performers, The Piccadilly Sinfonietta will treat you to a feast of classical masterpieces! We are also delighted to include a performance of Mozart's famous piano concerto in C Major, a favourite with audiences around world and also Corelli’s exquisite Christmas Concerto, the perfect additions to our festive programme for you!

Bublé Christmas by Candlelight

Various dates 7:30pm

Featuring a live Big Band and the UK’s number one Michael Bublé tribute act, join us for an unforgettable evening of Christmas hits made famous by the one and only Michael Bublé!

Durham Churches Together New Year's Eve Service

Sunday 31 December 2023 5:30pm

Durham Churches Together hold a service to reflect on the year past and welcome the new year to come.

Sung Eucharist for the Epiphany

Saturday 6 January 2024 7:30pm

At this service we celebrate the visit of the Magi to the Christ-child, the moment when God’s glory was revealed to the nations of the world.

Queen by Candlelight

Various dates 7:30pm

Experience an incredible night of Queen anthems by candlelight – you won’t wanna stop at all!

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.

Rolf Hind (piano) Messiaen: Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus

Tuesday 16 January 20247:30pm

Rolf Hind (piano)

A unique chance to hear one of the pinnacles of the piano repertoire, performed by world-renowned pianist and composer Rolf Hind in the transcendent space of Durham Cathedral.

Richly decorated organ-pipes.

Organ Recital by Daniel Cook

Wednesday 17 January 20247:30pm

Join Durham Cathedral's distinguished organist Daniel Cook for a recital on the cathedral's magnificent Harrison & Harrison organ.

Durham Choral Society - Mozart Mass in C Minor and Piano Concerto Number 21

Saturday 20 January 20247:30pm

Join Durham Choral Society and Orchestra for their performance of what is considered to be one of Mozart’s greatest works, his Mass in C minor. Piano Concerto No,21 will be performed by Alison Gill.

Epiphany Procession

Sunday 21 January 2024 3:30pm

Towards the end of the Epiphany season Durham Cathedral holds an Epiphany Procession service, which remembers the events of Jesus' early life as he was revealed as the son of God.

Coldplay by Candlelight

Thursday 25 January 2024 8:00pm

Hear the music of Coldplay under the gentle glow of candlelight this January.

Marking Holocaust Memorial Day

Friday 26 January 2024 - Sunday 28 January 2024 10:00am

We're marking Holocaust Memorial Day with special prayers throughout the day, as well as an exhibition and talk in collaboration with Durham County Council and the Gala Theatre.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2024

Friday 26 January 202410:00am

TV personality Robert Rinder MBE will be leading Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations in County Durham this year. Robert will attend a commemorative event alongside Bernie Graham and Charlotte Lane.

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.

MUSICON: Idrîsî Ensemble

Tuesday 30 January 20247:30pm

Merging sound installation, cutting-edge research, ancient Mediterranean traditions and experimental song, this is a concert like no other. Young London-based Idrîsî Ensemble brings together instrumentalists from around the world, jazz, rock and traditional music singers, calligraphers, composers, sound artists and medieval music specialists. Together they give voice to female troubadours, also called trobairitz, a neglected tradition on the fringe of medieval Christendom.

Sung Eucharist for Candlemas

Friday 2 February 2024 5:30pm

Durham Cathedral is lit with hundreds of candles for a service in which we celebrate the presentation of Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple, the feast day which traditionally brings the Christmas season to an end.

Lost in Music

Saturday 24 February 20247:30pm

Recreate the magical 70s with sensational live band and reliving songs from Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic.

The Best of Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated

Various dates and times

An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and cinema's most iconic music with a live chamber orchestra illuminated by light.

Durham University Palatinate Orchestra plays Bernstein, Mazzoli and Rachmninoff

Friday 8 March 20247:30pm

Durham University’s Palatinate Orchestra presents an evening of music by Bernstein, Mazzoli and Rachmaninoff.Join us in our performance of Rachmaninoff’s colossal Second Symphony. Made popular through his eternally romantic sound, Rachmaninoff provides constant longing and drama in this triumphant work.

The Magic of Motown

Friday 19 April 20247:30pm

Celebrate the sound of a generation with one very special night of The Magic of Motown!

The Spectacular Music of Harry Potter

Friday 3 May 2024 7:30pm

Grab your cloak and your wand and join us for a spellbinding concert featuring the spectacular music from the magnificent Harry Potter films - performed by the sensational International Film Orchestra.

Simon & Garfunkel: Through the Years.

Friday 7 June 20247:30pm

Performed by Bookends

Thank you for the Music - The Ultimate Tribute to Abba

Friday 2 August 20247:30pm

Calling all Dancing Queens, this is your night to say, Thank you for the Music!