Magna Carta and the North – Marketing Campaign of the Year

Durham Cathedral’s Magna Carta and the North won Marketing Campaign of the Year (Not for Profit) in the North East Marketing Awards.

In announcing the award the judges said:

‘They brought their campaign to life, opening it up to entirely new audiences and extending its impact far beyond initial expectations. 

Their contribution went beyond promotion – they played a meaningful role in shaping the content itself.

Working within a tight budget, they delivered an exhaustive and comprehensive campaign, powered by unwavering passion and enthusiasm throughout a focused 16-week period. 

Their strategic use of budget ensured that each audience was reached at exactly the right moment, making the campaign both efficient and highly effective.”

Durham Cathedral saw record numbers of visitors over the exhibition period. Over 30,000 people came to see the only surviving 1216 Magna Carta, alongside issues from 1225 and 1300, and three Forest Charters that were on view in Durham Cathedral Museum as part of the exhibition.

These 800-year-old documents were brought to life through contemporary artworks and interactive installations throughout the cathedral that invited visitors to select the words they would want to include in a modern-day charter.

The Words That Bind Us was a light-based art installation by Nicola Anthony that invited visitors to vote for a word or phrase that resonated with them the most.

And the most popular phrase? – “Peace in our time.”

Magna Carta and The North ran from July to 2 November 2025.