Preparations are well underway for the sold out, sixth annual Christmas at the Cathedral, a glittering celebration of Christmas performed by some of the region’s biggest names in music, TV, comedy, sport and entertainment.
Once again, the star-studded show will raise funds for one of the region’s most endearing charities; The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation funds projects within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that directly benefit cancer patients from across north east England and Cumbria and which also contribute significantly to international research into the disease.
Vital funds will be raised from the concert as a host of celebrity stars perform songs, readings and comedy sketches while choirs will sing both traditional festive songs and Christmas Carols. The concert will take place on Wednesday 13thDecember at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle. The audience can expect the usual high caliber of entertainment as in previous years with a mixture of Christmas songs, comedy and readings performed by a host of local talent and celebrity guests.
As well as the performers and stage crew working hard to make the event a success, a number of kindhearted businesses have donated money, goods and services in a number of sponsorship deals.
Each sponsor has their own reasons for supporting both the concert and The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Jennifer Nye of development consultancy, Nathaniel Lichfields and Partners said “Lichfields is again pleased to support Christmas at the Cathedral which is a fantastic event and provides an excellent opportunity for our Newcastle office to continue to support The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”
Hoult’s Yard based Executive Compass were also delighted to sponsor the event as Marketing Director Amy Forshaw explained;
“We are excited to be sponsoring and supporting a local, North-East charity, with an event in a beautiful location. It will be a great night raising funds for a deserving cause.”
Wendy Peffers of Durham based Gordon Brown Law Firm said, “As a North-East business we are delighted to sponsor such a fantastic event again this year. The start studded event is a tribute to the amazing talent we have in the North East and The Bobby Robson foundation is a phenomenal charity created by a North-East hero who will never be forgotten.”
Northumberland Accountants & Tax Advisers from Ashington enjoy sponsoring Christmas at the Cathedral as it is in aid of a cause which is very close to their hearts. Bobbie Brown is MD of the firm, she said;
“Sadly, we lost a business partner to cancer in 2015 and more recently we have witnessed first-hand the battle against cancer and the precious work that the Sir Bobby Robson foundation does. Christmas at the Cathedral also showcases local talents and we are delighted to be able to support them.”
For Paul Irwin who runs Whitley Bay based EastCoast Taxis, Christmas is a time to reflect on the previous year and look forward to family reunions.
“Sometimes we all work very hard and lose sight of the important things in life. The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation works hard to help people affected by cancer and if my sponsorship helps just one person, then it will be very rewarding to me.”
Also from Whitley Bay, Karen Goldfinch who runs Made to Treasure Events enjoys a traditional family Christmas.
“We love Christmas, it’s a special time of year and an opportunity to meet up with family members. It’s also a time to reflect, look back and ahead to what the New Year will bring. It’s a time to enjoy with family & remember those who are no longer with us and to think of the happy times we had with them at Christmas.
“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer, many families, including our own, at this time of year will be remembering those we’ve lost. We may not be scientists and doctors but if we can help in a small way, to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer, it has to be a bonus.”
Ruth and Kelvyn Guest who run Guest Wines based in Whitley Bay said ‘Christmas is the time of year for bringing people together – in mind, body and spirit. The importance of giving and sharing as well as receiving can help us all to be that bit closer. Christmas at the Cathedral does just this, and as such, we raise our glass to such a worthy event!’
Lyn Binks who runs Tynemouth Markets said,
“A good dear friend and work colleague whom we lost to cancer a couple of years ago took part in treatment from the Sir Bobby Robson foundation At the time of his treatment he spoke highly of the establishment. The care to both him and his family was amazing. It helps us by helping them. We are honoured to sponsor this event at the cathedral in memory of a very kind and caring colleague whom we all miss dearly. “
Claire Flint, General Manager of the Vermont Hotel said
“It’s a great event that bring business and the community together, to enjoy a night of music and laughter and also to raise funds so the charity can continue its great work in the local community.
Suzie Pattison of Ravensworth Print in Cramlington said:
“As a long standing local business, Ravensworth see it as their duty to reinvest in the local community and there is no better vehicle to achieve this this than the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which provides help and support to the people of this region.
Keith Newman from Highlights PR based in Ulgham and on his floating office on the Tyne said.
“Everyone has been touched by Cancer. This year has been particularly tough for my family losing my dad to Cancer so anything I can do to help eradicate this dreadful disease is worthwhile. It’s always a great night of entertainment and helps to kick start my Christmas.”
Dr Christopher Tait, a cyber security expert from Layer 7 IT Security is also sponsoring the event.
“This is my second year sponsoring the event and like a lot of people I feel that the work Sir Bobby Robson’s Foundation does is invaluable and in some cases lifesaving. I’m looking forward to being a part of what is now a Newcastle tradition at Christmas time.”
Sara Eke from Rock runs her own recruitment agency.
“This is a charity close to my heart and the work the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation does is absolutely invaluable to those who need it and supports the whole family. It is all done with a smile and with volunteers only.”
Adele Johnson from Alnwick based catering firm, The Real Taste of Northumberland said, “The Sir Bobby Robson foundation is a fabulous cause so very close to our hearts and to be able to support a local charity is a privilege”
Lady Elsie Robson said; “Last year was the first time our Foundation benefited from this marvelous event. It’s a lovely way to begin your Christmas celebrations and bring people together. We’re grateful to everyone involved in making the night so special.”
Organiser of the event, Jonathan Wallis of Barnard Castle said:
“We are grateful to all of the event sponsors for their kind donations which help to run the concert. It promises to be yet another great night raising much needed funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”