On Saturday 9 November, the annual Festival of Remembrance took place in the magnificent historic surroundings of Durham Cathedral.
Now in its 15th year, the Festival has established itself over the years as the iconic Remembrance event in the North East of England. We were pleased to see it attracted a capacity audience of around 600 attendants and has raised an outstanding £17,000 for soldiers, former soldiers and their families.
The themes for this year’s Festival were the 80th anniversaries of D-Day and Arnhem, as well as the charity’s own 80th anniversary. We were delighted to hear performances from the Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, the Tyne Electrical Engineers Association Pipes and Drums, the fabulous Yorkshire soprano, Charlotte Potter, Enter CIC, and, for their debut Festival appearance, the Military WAGS Choir Catterick. The audience were also addressed by the charity’s Chief Executive, Major General (Ret’d) Tim Hyams CB OBE.
Regional Director of ABF North East & Yorkshire, Lt Col Barney Barnbrook, said: “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 of 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 would like to thank the staff of Durham Cathedral, our performers, supporters, sponsors, and all those involved in organising such a memorable occasion.
