Returning for the 13th year at Durham Cathedral The Festival of Remembrance which is held in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund, remembers those who have given their lives for their Country, and Service Personnel who put their lives at risk for our liberty today.
This year's festival marks the 80th Anniversaries of D-Day and Arnhem commemorating those who gave so much in the liberation of Europe 80 years ago.
It is also the Charity's own 80th anniversary, founded by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery in 1944 to ensure that soldiers returning from battle were looked after in the manner that they deserved. The Charity has been there ever since to ensure that soldiers, veterans, and their immediate families, are supported in times of genuine need.
The concert will focus on the road to D-Day and will be told through an emotional mix of military music, 1940s songs and spoken word. The festival culminates with the poignant Muster and Act of Remembrance, a spectacular moment when thousands of poppies fall silently inside the cathedral from the central tower.
Lieutenant Colonel Barney Barnbrook, Regional Director, the Army Benevolent Fund, says,
"Whilst it is a great responsibility to organise the Festival of Remembrance at Durham Cathedral each year, it is also a huge privilege. As a Region and as a Country we have a duty to remember those who have given their all in defence our Nation, and the events in Durham over the Remembrance Weekend allow the local communities an appropriate and fitting way to commemorate such great sacrifice. We are extremely grateful to the Cathedral, and our other local sponsors, for their considerable support in making the Festival of Remembrance possible."
The day after, Durham Cathedral's Remembrance Sunday Service begins at 10.15am, and remembers the lives of those who were killed in the line of duty and those who put their lives at risk today. As part of the service, poppy wreaths will be laid under the cathedral RAF Memorial Window at the British Armed Forces memorial directly below it.
The moving service is a mix of spoken word and music sung by the cathedral choir, with the Revd Canon Michael Hampel, Vice-Dean and Precentor preaching this service.
The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming , Dean of Durham says,
"The events around Remembrance Sunday are a very important part of our life as Durham Cathedral. They give us the chance to honour those who have died in the service of their country and also pray for those who serve today and who work for peace in our troubled world."
No ticket is needed for Sunday 10 November, Remembrance Sunday Service.
Proceeds from Saturday 9 November Festival of Remembrance tickets sales go towards the the Army Benevolent Fund. Tickets are £18.50 and are available here.
Find out more about Remembrance events and services
Remembrance Sunday Service
Event date and start time
Sunday 10 November 2024 10:15am
We are joined by representatives from our armed forces to remember those who have given their lives in service of their country, and those serving who put their lives at risk today.
More info