By day he’s a chartered surveyor with one of the North’s leading property and business consultants but in his spare time, Jonathan Wallis helps to organise events to raise much needed funds for young people with cancer.
Jonathan’s biggest event to date is the annual Christmas at the Cathedral concert at Newcastle’s St Nicholas Cathedral on Tuesday; December 15. The concert brings together a wealth of stars to help the Teenage Cancer Trust including Denise Welch, fellow “Boy Meets Girl” star Rebecca Root, Geordie actress Val Maclane, radio presenter Charlie Charlton, poet Scott Tyrell, girl band Scarlett Street and the Swing Bridge Singers. Ex Lindisfarne drummer, Ray Laidlaw will once again produce the show and he will team up with band mate Billy Mitchell to perform a classic Lindisfarne song.
As well as working in his day job for George F White in Wolsingham and organising the concert, Jonathan is now turning his talents to managing a Christmas market that will be open to the public on the night of the concert.
The market will be open from 4.30pm until mid-evening with traditional choir singers performing Carols while members of the public and concertgoers browse the stalls. There will be several stalls selling hot food, mulled wine, tea, coffee and festive gifts. As Jonathan has discovered while researching the history of the markets, this festive gathering is just the latest in a long line of historical shopping venues in the vicinity of the cathedral.
“Historically, this area of Newcastle would have been teeming with life,” said Jonathan.
“The main markets in Newcastle were held in the Bigg Market, a stone’s throw from the front door of the Cathedral (or what was then the parish Church of St Nicholas). The Bigg Market was the hub of medieval Newcastle, with the street names giving the wares away such as Groat Market, Flesh Market and then the Bigg Market at the top (Bigg was medieval word for barley).
“ Where we are holding the concert was once known as Old Newcastle – it was the medieval heart of the city and you can’t get any bigger hearts than the stars giving up their time for the benefit of others. It’ll be a great event and we’d love to see as many people as possible at the market and the show. “
The concert, which is primarily sponsored by Benfield, will include performances from popular entertainers, choirs with traditional carols and festive readings. Tickets (£15) are selling well and are available from Newcastle City Hall box office on 0191 277 8030 or online at www.newcastlecityhall.org .
Any companies wishing to support the event either through sponsorship or by VIP ticket packages, should email jonathanwallis@georgefwhite.co.uk
