Pilgrimage Weekend: In Celebration of St Cuthbert’s Day celebrates the life of one of the great Northern Saints, St Cuthbert.
After his death in 687, he was buried on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, before being buried in the cathedral in the 9th Century. Today, you can see the Shrine of St Cuthbert behind the Quire in the cathedral and can be accessed via stairs in the Chapel of the Nine Altars.
Friday 15 March
Festal Evensong and Procession sung by Durham Cathedral Choir, 6pm
The preacher for this Evensong will be The Very Reverend Dr Phillip Plyming, Dean of Durham
Saturday 16 March
Pilgrimage from Finchale Priory to Durham Cathedral
This year the pilgrimage will beginning at Chester le Street.
10.00 Pilgrim Prayers at St Mary and St Cuthbert Church, Chester le Street
10.30 Pilgrims depart Chester le Street to walk to Finchale Priory
12.30 Pilgrims arrive at Finchale Priory
13.15 Pilgrims depart Finchale Priory to walk to Durham
15.30 Pilgrims gather at Durham Market Place to process together to the Cathedral
16.00 Pilgrim Eucharist at Durham Cathedral
Pilgrims can travel from Durham to Chester le Street by train to access the start of the pilgrimage; others will wish to join at Finchale Priory to walk the last leg of the journey.
Bus transport to Finchale is available, and the bus will depart from County Hall at 12.30pm (the cost of this is £6 and cars can be parked at County Hall all day for free). To book a place on the pilgrim bus follow this eventbrite link.
Celebration of Eucharist in honour of St Cuthbert, 4pm – 5.30pm
This service is sung by Durham Cathedral Choir and Newcastle Cathedral Choir, with a sermon preached by The Very Reverend Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle.
See St Cuthbert’s treasures in the museum, 10am – 4pm
Visit the museum and get up close to St Cuthbert’s coffin and the Pectoral Cross
Family activities, 11am – 3pm
• Saint Cuthbert is recognised for his work in protecting wildlife, hear storytelling about St Cuthbert and animals
• Get crafty and make your own animal mask
• Check out the Free Little Library and reading nook area, where you can swap books and sit and read
• Pick up a Family Activity Leaflet from the Visitor Desk and enjoy puzzles, colouring whilst learning about Holy Week and Easter