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

Daughters of God: Women at Durham Cathedral - Museum Exhibition

Various dates and times

Take a deep dive into the various roles women have played in the past and present at Durham Cathedral, as we mark 30 years since the first female priest was ordained, with the latest museum 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.

Friends of Durham Cathedral Christmas Concert

Thursday 12 December 20247:30pm

Our ever-popular annual Friends Christmas Concert is back for another evening of festive favourites and carolling with Durham Cathedral Young Singers, Rock Choir North East and Consett Citadel Salvation Army Band!

Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols

Saturday 14 December 2024 6:00pm

Be transported back to the medieval monastery here at Durham Cathedral with Britten's Ceremony of Carols.

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.

Blessing of the Crib and Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Sunday 15 December 2024 3:30pm

A family favourite service where the lights on the cathedral’s giant Christmas tree are lit, and the nativity scene is blessed.

St Cuthbert's Hospice Light Up a Life Service

Sunday 15 December 2024 7:00pm

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

Choir and Audience

NHS Carol Service

Tuesday 17 December 2024 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.

NSPCC Carol Service

Saturday 21 December 202411:00am

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children have been protecting children for over 100 years, by doing everything it can to prevent abuse and neglect, and giving expert support to help children recover.

Mencap Carol Service

Saturday 21 December 2024 2:30pm

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

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Various dates and times

The service starts in darkness as a lone Chorister sings Once in Royal David’s City. We sing hymns with Durham Cathedral Choir and hear members of the community give readings as we recount the Christmas story.

Midnight Mass

Tuesday 24 December 2024 11:00pm

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

Holy Communion on Christmas Day

Wednesday 25 December 2024 8:00am

A service of prayers and Bible readings, in which we offer bread and wine to God in thanksgiving for his goodness to us, which we receive back as the body and blood of Christ.

Sung Eucharist on Christmas Day

Wednesday 25 December 2024 10:00am

Matins on Christmas Day

Wednesday 25 December 2024 11:30am

We celebrate Christmas in the traditional service of Matins (Morning Prayer) sung by the Cathedral Choir and preached by The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, the Dean of Durham.

Evensong on Christmas Day

Wednesday 25 December 2024 3:30pm

Evensong is a service of bible readings, psalms and prayers. The choir sing for us accompanied by organ music.

Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight

Friday 27 December 20247:30pm

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, with further popular works by Bach, Pachelbel and Corelli.

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.

From Sea to Sky

Friday 17 January 20257:30pm

Durham University Choral Society presents a programme of music exploring the sea, sky and everything in between. Including Elgar, Holst and Lauridsen - a concert not to be missed!
Described by the Guardian as possessing a choral sound that is "gloriously warm and finely balanced", Durham University Choral Society and conductor John Forsyth MBE present a programme of music exploring the undulating nature of some of the most romantic composers, including Donald Fraser's choral arrangement of Elgar's popular Sea Pictures and Lauridsen's Nocturns.
Join us for this musical journey on 17 January 2025, in Durham Cathedral, accompanied by a string orchestra.

Durham Choral Society - Handel: Judas Maccabaeus

Saturday 25 January 20257:30pm

Here is a rare chance to hear Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus (HWV 63) performed by Durham Choral Society and orchestra. The music is typically baroque and with a recognisable tune, with the words, of “See the conquering hero comes” as a popular brass band piece.

An Evening of Radiohead

Thursday 20 February 2025 7:30pm

Lose yourself in this sonically spectacular celebration of Radiohead's vast and ever-expanding universe of music - including hits and hidden gems from their 30 years in the spotlight from albums such as OK Computer, In Rainbows and The Bends.

Tribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated

Friday 7 March 2025 7:15pm

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

A Tribute to the Carpenters

Thursday 3 April 20257:30pm

Experience all the classic hits, including “Close to You,” “Top of the World,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” “Please Mr. Postman,” “Goodbye to Love,” and many more as we bring the soundtrack of our lives back to the stage. Join us for an unforgettable evening, where we’ll be“ on top of the world,” celebrating the timeless music of the Carpenters
Museum Visitors viewing Magna Carter and Forest Charter exhibition

Magna Carta and the North

Various dates 10:00am

Get up close to the iconic Magna Carta in the Durham Cathedral Museum.

Faith in the North: Lord’s Prayer Tour

Friday 3 October 2025 All day

Hear the Lord's Prayer and teachings, as part of the Faith in the North tour as The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell visits all twelve dioceses in the Northern Province of the Church of England.