Star-studded Christmas event to support cancer charity

Preparations are underway for the eleventh annual ‘Christmas at the Cathedral’, an iconic festive celebration set to light up Newcastle Cathedral on Thursday, December 12, in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

The event will feature North East talent across music, television and comedy, promising an unforgettable evening while raising vital funds for the Foundation, which supports innovative cancer detection and treatment across the region.

Founded in 2008 by the legendary Newcastle and England manager Sir Bobby Robson, the charity is part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, helping raise millions of pounds to support state-of-the-art treatments and essential support services across the North East and Cumbria.

Jonathan Wallis, who runs his own chartered surveyors business in Barnard Castle, is organising the event and was quick to show his appreciation for the host of businesses who have lent their support.

He said: “It’s wonderful to see colleagues I work with showing support for this cause.

“We all work closely together, and I’m delighted that they have all decided to sponsor the event.

“We started this in 2012 and every year it gets better and better. We have a great team involved from behind the scenes to the performers and the sponsors too.”

Key supporters this year include principal sponsor Chris Tait of IT consultancy Layer 7, alongside backing from North East businesses The Real Taste of Northumberland, Highlights PR, Tyne Idols, Deli Around the Corner, The Low Lights Tavern, Karen Goldfinch - Your Business Pilot and Made to Treasure Events. Newcastle’s Gainford Group, which operates The Vermont Hotel and The County Hotel, as well as prominent names in Durham’s building sector, including Bellway Homes Durham, Wisemove and Miller Homes Teesside, are also lending their support.

Chris said: “Layer 7 and I are immensely proud to be part of this event. Contributing to a cause that truly makes a difference is incredibly special.

“The festive season is often filled with joy, but it also reminds us of the profound impact of kindness and generosity. When we come together to support those in need, we remind ourselves of the true spirit of Christmas: giving, sharing, and caring for one another.

“It is with great honour that we lend our support to Christmas at the Cathedral.”

John Jameson, Miller Homes Teesside area land director, added: “Sir Bobby was and still is a local icon and the work his charity does has a positive impact on so many people. We are proud to support the night.”

With a lineup still under wraps, the event promises a magical evening of entertainment, community spirit and festive goodwill to aid a vital cause.

Lady Elsie Robson expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Foundation: “Even I have no idea what entertainment to expect and I love that it all comes as a surprise.

“I do know that, as ever, it will be a wonderful show packed with hugely talented performers who have all given up their valuable time to support The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“To be thinking of others is, for me, the real spirt of Christmas and it is greatly appreciated.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has bought a ticket, to all the performers, sponsors and organisers, and to everyone who has contributed in any way.

“The money raised will help us continue the work my husband began when he launched his Foundation and will help us find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer right here in Newcastle.”

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