What's On

Join us for a free hospitality showcase and see the venue facilities Durham Cathedral can offer to companies and organisations for a variety of events. One hour presentations and tours begin at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm.  

An exhibition in Open Treasure, Durham Cathedral's award-winning museum, showcasing the exquisite and extraordinary maps, charts and atlases in the Durham Cathedral Library collections, including early maps of Durham.

For millennia humans have strived to understand our place in the world.  We have recorded the places we have lived, worked and travelled in with drawings and maps. Explore some extraordinary examples of these from the Cathedral’s own collections, discover the people involved, and find out about the work that made it possible.

A selling exhibition of prints of Durham Cathedral, Northumberland and the region by local artist Norman Wade in the Undercroft Restaurant. Durham Cathedral received Norman's remaining artwork after he and his wife passed away as a legacy gift, to sell in support of the cathedral which they both loved.

Prisons Week is a time to reflect on how we - as individuals, as a church and as a community are serving those affected by imprisonment. An opportunity to meet practitioners and academics concerned with the prison system – and in particular to discuss the background to crime. It is open to anyone with a concern for, or an interest in, the judicial system.

Ever wanted to own a piece of history and secure Durham Cathedral's future at the same time? Now you can by taking part in Durham Cathedral's first ever Stone Auction.

Stones of all shapes and sizes taken from the top of the central tower during the recent renovation project will be sold with the help of the local auction house Anderson & Garland.

This auction supports Foundation 2020, our campaign to build an endowment fund to cover the costs of the Cathedral's annual programme of maintenance.

Viewings of the stones up for auction will take place in the Works Yard, on the south side of the cathedral, with a few on show in the DLI Garden, on the following dates: 

• 14 October 9.30am-4.30pm
• 15 October 9.30am-4.30pm
• 16 October 9.30am-4.30pm
• 17 October 9.30am-4.30pm
• 18 October 9.30am-4.30pm
• 19 October 9.30am-1pm

The auction itself will take place on 19 October, 1-3pm in the Chapter House at Durham Cathedral. If, however, you are unable to join us on the day you will be able to take advantage of our online bidding.

A termly youth gathering for young people (school years 7-13) organised by Durham Diocese. An opportunity for young people to have fun and explore faith together in a variety of different ways.

Prior's Hall

A talk from David Hunt, organised by the Friends of Durham Cathedral as part of their lecture series.

The Sixteen's 2019 Choral Pilgrimage brings together music past and present, highlighting their choral journey over the last 40 years. Their close relationship with Sir James MacMillan continues with a new commission O virgo prudentissima, contrasted with music by Fayrfax performed on their very first recording, alongside music by Wylkynson and Sheppard. These fine examples of English polyphony are juxtaposed with stunning music by Tavener and Eric Whitacre in this concert as part of their 40th anniversary celebrations.

An outdoor guided walk with local geologist Brian Young covering aspects of the geology of the Durham Cathedral site, including the riverbanks. Discover the variety, sources and uses of stone within the Cathedral and its associated buildings.

Get more value for money by booking both the woodlands and riverbanks walk and geology tour of the cathedral together.

Durham Cathedral ranks in the top 100 geological sites in the UK. Join us for a 45 minute talk followed by tea/coffee and questions and then a geology tour of the Cathedral.

Enjoy a tour of Durham Cathedral followed by afternoon tea served in the Chapter House, the filming location for Professor McGonagall's classroom in the first two Harry Potter films.

Join the Durham Catherdral Guild Of Bellringers for an open day - an opportunity to see firsthand how the bells are rung and see the bells themselves.

Come and take part in The Big Draw. Borrow a backpack and enjoy walking around Durham Cathedral. 

A special concert by Margaret Fingerhut in aid of Durham City of Sanctuary

The history of classical music is full of composers who left their homelands because of war, political upheaval or fear of persecution. Other composers, who had to move country because of their work, were arguably no less homesick.

A special day of services in honour of God’s saints including Holy Communion at 7.30am, and a Sung Eucharist in the Quire at 17.15pm.

Join the World’s Number 1 Musical Theatre group, Collabro, for an unforgettable live concert at the stunning Durham Cathedral.

Tour of Open Treasure, led by a British Sign Language interpreter and a Gallery Attendant, run today at 3pm.

On All Souls’ Day, we commemorate all those whom we have loved and lost, at a celebration of the Eucharist. All are welcome to attend and give thanks for the life of a family member or friend.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Festival of Remembrance in Durham Cathedral. The focus will be the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the decisive action that helped liberate France, Belgium and Holland from Nazi rule and bring WW2 in Europe to an end.

The Cathedral Community is joined by military representatives and dignitaries to remember those who have given their lives for their country and the serving soldiers who put their lives at risk today. The service will be followed by wreath-laying and a formal parade.
 

Be one of the first to hear about the light installations in this year's Lumiere festival, in its 10th anniversary year. 

Lumiere returns to Durham for a special 10th year anniversary edition. Lumiere is the UK's largest light festival and will transform the city with returning festival favourites and dazzling new works by world-leading artists and local talent. The Cathedral is once again central to the festival, which is commissioned by Durham County Council and produced by Artichoke.

The 150th anniversary of the Durham Miners' Association will be celebrated at a special service of Evensong, together with the people and communities of the region's mining industry, past and present.

A celebratory performance of Handel’s famous masterpiece marking the 10th anniversary of girl choristers at Durham Cathedral.
The Cathedral Choir, the Cathedral Consort of Singers and former cathedral choristers of all ages join with the Avison Ensemble for what promises to be a musical spectacular.

Open Treasure, Durham Cathedral's award-winning museum, is delighted to be joining together with other National Lottery funded visitor attractions across the UK to say thank you to people who raise money for good causes by buying Lottery Tickets. During this period, visitors who present a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard at the cathedral visitor desk get free entry into Open Treasure. 

Enjoy a tour of Durham Cathedral followed by afternoon tea served in the Chapter House, the filming location for Professor McGonagall's classromom in the first two Harry Potter films. 

Every year we remember the men and women who down the centuries have made our cathedral, city and university the heart of Durham life. 

A talk from Jeremy and Jennifer Bonner, organised by the Friends of Durham Cathedral as part of their lecture series.

After sell-out tours in 2017 & 2018, G4 return in 2019 with their biggest and best Christmas tour to date!

Expect to hear timeless classics such as When A Child is Born, Silent Night and All I Want For Christmas, as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit, all delivered exquisitely in some of the UK's most iconic historical venues.

Welcome to children from schools in Sunderland as they join with the Cathedral Choristers for a musical celebration. 

An opportunity to visit Durham Cathedral’s beautiful 17th-century Refectory Library – not usually open to visitors – to view some of the historic volumes in our collections that have caused controversy over the centuries. The books on display will help demonstrate the reasons why books were added to the Roman Catholic Church’s ‘Index of Forbidden Books’, and show some of the steps printers took to ensure their works could still reach an appreciative audience.

An opportunity to purchase local produce and artisan goods in the unique setting of the Cathedral Cloister. Visit the stalls in the Cloister and the marquee on Palace Green to find unique Christmas gifts. Entry to the cloister market is free with a donation of £3 per person encouraged.

An opportunity to purchase local produce and artisan goods in the unique setting of the Cathedral Cloister. Visit the stalls in the Cloister and the marquee on Palace Green to find unique Christmas gifts. Entry to the cloister market is free with a donation of £3 per person encouraged.

An opportunity for visitors to the Durham City Christmas Festival to sing carols in the splendor of Durham Cathedral.

An opportunity for visitors to the Durham City Christmas Festival to sing carols in the splendor of Durham Cathedral.

A special family service depicting the story of St Nicholas, who always makes an appearance. The service follows a lantern procession to the Cathedral, led by the Chester-le-Street Salvation Army Band, starting at 3.30pm in Durham Market Place.

All are welcome to attend a service of lessons and carols for Advent in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Music is sung by Durham Cathedral Choir. As these are very popular services, members of the congregation are advised to arrive in good time.

An opportunity to purchase local produce and artisan goods in the unique setting of the Cathedral Cloister. Visit the stalls in the Cloister and the marquee on Palace Green to find unique Christmas gifts. Entry to the cloister market is free with a donation of £3 per person encouraged.

An opportunity for visitors to the Durham City Christmas Festival to sing carols in the splendor of Durham Cathedral.

A special service of carols for Durham University Intercollegiate Christian Union.

Following the success of our 2018 Christmas Concert, the Friends are pleased to announce that the North East Rock Choir, Consett Salvation Army Band and Durham Cathedral Young Singers will be returning to perform for us again. Join them for their highly anticipated annual Christmas Concert.

Make your Christmas a crafty one with an adult crafts session in the beautiful surroundings of Prior’s Hall.

Visitor access to the nave of the cathedral will be limited during this service.

A special advent procession for St Chad's College, Durham University.

A special advent procession for St John's College, Durham University.

Prior's Hall

We invite all cathedral Patrons, Corporate Partners and 2020 Club Members to join us for a warming glass of mulled wine and a delicious mince pie. 

Get crafty and make your own Christmas wreath for your door or dinner table with the help of a local artist. Enjoy sessions at 1pm and 6pm.

Visitor access to the nave of the cathedral will be limited during this service.

A special advent procession for St Mary's College, Durham University.

A special carol service for Durham School.

Join Durham Cathedral Choir and the Reg Vardy Band for a spectacular evening of festive classics.

Education Centre

Come and hear the Christmas story told by a friendly fox, and then make and take a Christmas decoration that you can take home as a reminder of your visit. Suitable for pre-school children.

A special carol service for the Freemasons.

Visitor access to the nave of the cathedral will be limited during this service.

Visitor access to the nave of the cathedral will be limited during this service.

All are welcome to our traditional festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which always starts in darkness with a solo chorister singing the first verse of Once in Royal David's City. These services are a highlight of the Advent and Christmas season, during which lessons are read and the Cathedral Choir sings beautiful music to herald the birth of Christ. 

All are welcome to our traditional festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which always starts in darkness with a solo chorister singing the first verse of Once in Royal David's City. These services are a highlight of the Advent and Christmas season, during which lessons are read and the Cathedral Choir sings beautiful music to herald the birth of Christ. On Sunday 24 December the Durham Miner's Association Band will play before the service.

All are welcome to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Join with the churches of Durham and gather for a serivce of reflection on the past, of thanksgiving for the blessings of God in the present and of hope for the year to come. You are invited to gather in Durham Market Place at 6pm with lanterns and process to the cathedral for 6.30pm.

We recall the visit of the wise men to the Christ Child at Bethlehem and is celebrated in a choral service of the Eucharist when we gather at the crib scene and symbolically offer the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh while also offering through prayer our own gifts and talents in the service of God. 

Graduation ceremonies for Durham University. Please note, visitor access to parts of the cathedral will be restricted during ceremonies. There is usual access to Open Treasure, the cathedral's world-class museum. 

Relive the revival of a traditional English festival. Enjoy music and traditional dancing in Durham City Marketplace, and follow the plough as it is processed up to the Cathedral to be blessed by the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett.

Enjoy a tour of Durham Cathedral followed by afternoon tea served in the Chapter House, the filming location for Professor McGonagall's classroom in the first two Harry Potter films. 

We celebrate the Epiphany season with a service of readings and music that follows the journey of the Three Kings as Christ is revealed to them. 

Hear the great Christmas cycle by the French 20th-century composer Olivier Messiaen, performed by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral. The nine pieces each portray one aspect of Christ’s birth and coming among us.

For the opening event of Durham Vocal Festival 2020, Durham Choral Society, Durham County Youth Choir and the John Lewis Partnership Choir celebrate the 25th anniversary of the work 'Joyous Night' composed by local composer Alan Woods, commissioned by the John Lewis Partnership. 

Prior's Hall

A talk from Richard Gameson, organised by the Friends of Durham Cathedral as part of their lecture series.

Don't miss this great opportunity to discover how your business can support Durham Cathedral and the benefits that a partnership with the cathedral can offer.  You'll also have a chance to explore the cathedral with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from our property team. 

Durham Vocal Festival celebrates the finest youth choirs in North East England, from primary to university level. This annual event is a wonderful celebration of the young vocal talent the region has to offer. 

The festival which recalls the visit of Mary and Joseph to the Temple to give thanks for the birth of Jesus also marks the official end of the Christmas season and was a festival in the middle ages when candles were blessed for use in church and at home. 

Durham Cathedral Choir and renowned period orchestra The Avison Ensemble join forces to present Monteverdi’s much loved masterpiece.  Conductor: Daniel Cook,  Leader: Pavlo Beznosiuk

A chance to experience a walking tour of Durham Cathedral's historic woodlands and riverbanks guided by an expert walk leader. Starts from the cathedral visitor desk.

Tour of Open Treasure, led by a British Sign Language interpreter and a Gallery Attendant.

A chance to experience a walking tour of Durham Cathedral's historic woodlands and riverbanks guided by an expert walk leader. Starts from the cathedral visitor desk.

A chance to experience a walking tour of Durham Cathedral's historic woodlands and riverbanks guided by an expert walk leader. Starts from the cathedral visitor desk.