Preparations are in full swing for the eleventh yearly Christmas at the Cathedral, a dazzling extravaganza showcasing the festive spirit through performances by acclaimed personalities from the region’s music, TV, comedy, and entertainment spheres.
This year, the star-studded show will once again raise funds for one of the region’s most endearing charities, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Sir Bobby Robson launched his Foundation in 2008 and it has gone on to raise millions of pounds to help find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer, working within the NHS and in partnership with other leading charities and organisations.
Part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, Sir Bobby Robson Foundation funds a range of cutting-edge cancer treatments and innovative cancer support services that directly benefit children and adults from across the North East and Cumbria and which play a significant role in the international fight against the disease.
The sold-out concert will take place on Thursday, December 14 at Newcastle Cathedral. The audience can expect the usual high calibre of entertainment as in previous years but as ever the lineup is a closely guarded secret.
As well as the performers and stage crew working hard to make the event a success, several kindhearted businesses have donated money, goods, and services in several sponsorship opportunities.
“We have supported this fantastic charity over the last few years and will continue to do so. The funds raised go towards research into cancer and helping people with this awful disease. Having lost family members and friends to cancer it is a charity very close to our hearts and we will do as much as we can to help in the search for a cure.”
From Alnwick, The Real Taste of Northumberland provide deluxe handmade mince pies for VIP guests and cast for the VIP reception. Adele Johnson
“One of my favourite events of the year as it brings together a top-class night of entertainment with fundraising for such a good cause.”
From Morpeth, Keith Newman from Highlights PR has been supporting the event for seven years
“We’ve sponsored the event once again as it’s a legacy for a great man who did so much for our region and now, we all have a chance to pay a small bit back to his charity which is helping so many people.”
Also from Morpeth, Chris Tait from Layer 7 IT Security
“Orbis are honoured to sponsor this event. We are delighted to come together as part of this community event and celebrate our festive season in the spirit of inclusiveness.”
From North Tyneside, several businesses have pledged support. Nigel Devine from Orbis Support in North Shields is the show’s main sponsor
Other sponsors from North Tyneside include, Remy & Rose, Tyne Idols, Deli Round the Corner, Made to Treasure Events, Karen Goldfinch Your Business Pilot and The Low Lights Tavern.
“The Gainford Group have been a proud sponsor of Christmas at the Cathedral for many years now and will continue to do so. Sir Bobby Robson was a Northeast legend, and his Foundation keeps his legacy alive and helps so many people, in their daily fight against cancer. We are honoured to play a small part in helping towards that.”
From Newcastle, the Gainford Group who operate The Vermont Hotel and The County Hotel have also pledged their support as Area Manager Claire Flint
In the Durham area, mindset coach and entrepreneur James Palmer is delighted to support the event once again.
“I’m supporting The Bobby Robson Foundation because the work it does is exceptional. Bobby was such a people person, and the Foundation carries forward that North East spirit and good feeling that he epitomised.”
The event is also sponsored by the event organiser Jonathan Wallis who runs his Chartered Surveyors business in Barnard Castle.
“I’m so pleased but not at all surprised that Christmas at the Cathedral has sold out once again this year. It’s a wonderful festive event and something my family always looks forward to.
“On behalf of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation I’d like to say how grateful we are to the generous sponsors, the organisers, performers and, of course, to everyone kind enough to buy a ticket for the night. I’m very much looking forward to it.”
Lady Elsie Robson
