St Cuthbert Festival
Durham Cathedral is the resting place of St Cuthbert, one of the North’s greatest saints, and was built to house his shrine.
Every year there is an array of special services and celebratory events on and around St Cuthbert’s Day, which falls on 20 March. This year is no exception.
Visitors of all ages are invited to join us as we celebrate the life of this remarkable saint. All events are free.
Please share this e-news with family and friends.
We look forward to welcoming you to Durham Cathedral.
Special Services
Thursday 19 March, 7.30pm
Sung Eucharist and Procession on the Eve of St Cuthbert
Durham Cathedral Choir is joined by Newcastle Cathedral Choir to honour our Northern Saint.
Friday 20 March, 5.15pm
Evensong and Procession on the Feast of St Cuthbert
A joyous commemoration of the life of St Cuthbert, featuring the late John Tavener’s work, Ikon of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, written specially for Durham Cathedral and sung by Durham Cathedral Choir.
Family Fun – Storytelling and Make & Take
Saturday 21 March, 10.30am-12.00noon & 1.30pm-3.30pm
The South Transept and the Education Centre
Join storyteller Adam Bushnell for a day of stories and activities celebrating the life of St Cuthbert, featuring excerpts from a new children’s book about St Cuthbert by Sam Church which is available in the Cathedral Shop.
Come and try your hand at being a jousting knight or making some Anglo-Saxon artefacts and crafts.
A free event – no need to book.
Local Producers’ Market
Saturday 21 March, 10.00am – 4.00pm
The Cathedral Cloister
An opportunity to purchase local food and produce in a special Cuthbert’s Tide market in the Cathedral Cloister.
Organised by Durham Markets Company
St Cuthbert’s Day Walk and Procession
Saturday 21 March, 9.30am
St Mary’s and St Cuthbert’s Church, Chester-le-Street
Join the Northumbrian Association for its annual walk in honour of St Cuthbert from Chester-le-Street to Durham Cathedral, symbolic of the arrival of the body and the relics of St Cuthbert in Durham in 995AD.
The walk arrives at the Cathedral via Durham’s Market Place. The St Cuthbert Banner will be carried in processsion from the Market Place to the Cathedral. Both the Banner and walkers will be welcomed to the Cathedral at 2.15pm for a procession and prayers at the Shrine of St Cuthbert.
The walk is guided and is eight miles long. Please wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. For more information or to reserve a place please contact events@durhamcathedral.co.uk.
Organised by the Northumbrian Association.
