St Cuthbert festival marking St. Cuthbert's Day March 20

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.

St Cuthbert's Tide Tours of the Cathedral Saturday 21 March, 10.00am, 10.30am, 11.00am, 1.00pm & 3.00pm Enjoy a free tour of the Cathedral with one of our experienced guides.

Pilgrimage Walk Saturday 21 March, 10.00am - 11.30am Woodlands and Riverbanks A reflective walk around the city centre riverbanks.  The walk starts at the North Door, the main entrance to the Cathedral.  Please wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. A free event - to reserve a place contact events@durhamcathedral.co.uk

Stonemasonry Demonstration Saturday 21 March, 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2.30pm - 4.00pm The Cloister Garth Durham Cathedral employs a team of stonemasons who maintain and conserve the fabric of this wonderful building. One of the masons will be demonstrating the techniques involved and may even let visitors have a go themselves.

The Lindisfarne Gospels Saturday 21 March, 11.30am & 3.30pm The Chapel of The Nine Altars Catherine Hodgson, Marketing Officer at Durham Cathedral, explains the history and significance of this Anglo-Saxon manuscript written in honour of St Cuthbert. Catherine holds a 1st class honours degree in History from Durham University. During the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition at Durham University's Palace Green Library in 2013, she regularly gave talks to visitors about the Lindisfarne Gospels that were enjoyed by all.

John Stainer's 'The Crucifixion' Saturday 21 March, 7.00pm St Cuthbert's Church, Darlington Performed by The Galilee Choir of The Chorister School, St Cuthbert's Church Choir and Choirs from Darlington Deanery. Admission free. There will be a retiring collection.