(Image: Durham Cathedral)
Durham Cathedral is set to launch its first-ever Christmas Tree Festival, bringing together organisations from across the region in a festive celebration of "community spirit, creativity and generosity."
The festival will run from December 4 to January 4, 2027, and will transform the cathedral’s historic cloisters into a display of decorated Christmas trees.
Each tree will be designed by businesses, schools, charities, and community groups from across the North East.
The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, said: "Christmas at Durham Cathedral is always a special time and the launch of Durham Cathedral's first Christmas Tree Festival will only add to this.
"I thank God for all the communities, organisations and individuals who enrich life across our region; this festival will enable us to celebrate them and share their stories with a wide audience.
"Visitors will also get to see the Cloisters as never before and experience the warmth of community, the wonder of the season, and the message of hope that lies at the heart of the Christmas story."
Each tree will reflect the work, values, and identity of the organisation that decorated it, creating a collective display with a personal touch.
The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors throughout Advent and Christmas.
Last December, Durham Cathedral welcomed more than 25,000 visitors.
Hannah Ellis, head of enterprise at Durham Cathedral, said: "As the first Christmas Tree Festival at Durham Cathedral, this is an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible range of businesses, charities, schools and community organisations that help our region thrive.
"By bringing these organisations together in the Cathedral Cloisters, we're creating a festive experience that celebrates both the season and the people who make a difference across the North East.
"For visitors, the festival will offer a vibrant and varied display, with every tree reflecting a different organisation, story and cause.
"Whether people are visiting for worship, sightseeing, shopping or seasonal events, we hope the Christmas Tree Festival will be a highlight of their time at Durham Cathedral and inspire them to learn more about the organisations taking part."
Commercial organisations can take part for a fee of £500, which includes a Christmas tree and also sponsors the participation of a school, charity, social enterprise, or community organisation.
This sponsorship model helps to ensure organisations of all sizes can be represented in the festival.
Participation is free for schools, charities, social enterprises, and community groups, with costs covered by business sponsors.
Each participant will receive a six to seven-foot tree, LED lights, and an A3 display stand to introduce their organisation to visitors.
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The festival offers a chance for organisations to connect with new audiences during one of the cathedral’s busiest visitor periods.
Space is limited, and organisers recommend early registration.
The festival is supported by Poplar Tree Garden Centre. It will run during regular cathedral opening hours.
Bookings are now open and will close at 9am on Monday October 26.
Organisations interested in taking part are encouraged to apply soon to avoid disappointment.