Durham Cathedral Festival of Remembrance 2023
For twelve years, the Durham Cathedral Festival of Remembrance has established itself as the iconic Remembrance event in the North East. Set within the historic sanctitude of Durham Cathedral, it commemorates the sacrifices of many in conflict over the years.
This moving concert, in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund, remembers those who have given their lives for their Country, and Service Personnel who put their lives at risk for our liberty today. Once again, it will be supported by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, and the Pipes and Drums of 102 Battalion REME, along with contributions from local performers.
This year, the Festival of Remembrance will commemorate a conflict that is very close to the people of County Durham, and the County’s links to the Durham Light Infantry (DLI). 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. Nearly 60,000 British combat troops saw active service in the war; 1,100 never returned, including 24 from the DLI, and 93 from the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.
“I was on reserve and I was waiting to finish with the army anyway, I’d had enough of it. 1950 come and they recalled me for the Korean War. I had to go, I was on reserve, I was still a soldier, couldn’t refuse, I had to go …” Fusilier Thomas McMahon, 1st Battalion The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers
With an emotional mix of music and spoken word, the Festival of Remembrance culminates with the poignant Muster and Act of Remembrance, with thousands of poppies falling silently from the Cathedral’s central tower, following the reading of the Kohima Epitaph and Exhortation.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them.
Festival of Remembrance Tickets
Tickets are on sale now through the Cathedral Box Office. Please click on the ‘Buy Tickets’ button below.
- £17.50
- Carers go free
Please get in touch with visitor.desk@durhamcathedral.co.uk if you have queries about refunding or amending your tickets. However, please contact the Regional Office ABF The Soldiers’ Charity North East and Yorkshire at northeast@soldierscharity.org if you require further information about the event.
Covid Precautions
The safety of our guests and performers remains of paramount importance; consequently, we would ask all attendees to conduct a test (PCR or LFT) within 24 hours of the event. If you are suffering from the symptoms of Covid, it is strongly advised that you do not attend. The event will comply with all necessary guidance and direction in force at the time of the event.
Virtual Festival of Remembrance 2020 – Watch Again
We were unable to physically host the Festival of Remembrance in 2020 but marked the event with a virtual service, which is available below on YouTube. Unfortunately we were not able to recreate the poppy drop due to restrictions in place at the time of filming.