Newcastle Cathedral is opening its doors to visitors this Saturday as part of the national Heritage Open Day initiative.
Newcastle reveals all for Heritage Open Day this Saturday
It means people can finally get a sneak preview of the nave since work started last year on the £6m National Lottery Heritage Fund project, Common Ground in Sacred Space to transform Newcastle Cathedral, breathe new life into its history and its heritage, and allow people to see the Grade I listed building in a new light.
The bulk of the funding will pay for physical changes inside and out: the removal of the pews; the installation of underfloor heating; the renewal of the nave floor to create a more open and flexible events space; the landscaping of the south and east churchyards to provide a fitting setting for the building and areas for relaxation and reflection; and the transformation of the basement beneath the Cathedral’s hall to provide new staff, volunteer and visitor facilities.
The project also focuses on protecting and conserving the ledger stones – over 130 grave covers belonging to the great, the good, and the not so good of the city, which are currently at risk. It is hoped the project will result in the creation of seven new paid positions and attract over 100 new volunteers in the process.
This Saturday (19 Sept) pre-booked small groups will have their first view of the nave in its state of glorious disarray during the capital works, see contractors, Historic Property Restoration in action, hear more from the Cathedral team, and have a chance to ask questions and take photographs.
Viewing will be of groups of no more than 8 people and attendees will be required to wear a mask (although we understand some are unable to for medical reasons). Please also wear sturdy footwear and assemble outside the West Door shortly before the viewing time where a member of the team will take your name.
Book your place on any available viewing time slot. Spaces are limited and available on a first come first served basis. Viewings last for approximately 30 minutes and will take place immediately inside the West doors around the font area.
If you would like to attend, please book via Eventbrite.
If you’re unable to book a place then please do let the Cathedral’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Catherine Mair, know if you’d like to be considered for future such events and we will set up additional ones in the very near future. Catherine can be contacted by email at: catherine.mair@newcastlecathedral.org.uk
Please note, visitors to the Cathedral will be required to comply with the following:
- All visitors must book a ticket in advance.
- Please book one ticket per person.
- Tickets are for your use only and are non-transferable.
- In line with government guidelines, you are required to wear a face covering for the duration of your visit. Please remember to bring one with you. Please also wear sturdy footwear.
- Please assemble outside the West Door shortly before the viewing time and no more than 10 minutes before your allocated time slot.
- When you arrive, please have your ticket ready to show a member of the Cathedral team, either on your phone or a printed copy.
- Sadly, if you’re more than 10 minutes late, we won’t be able to guarantee you entry.
We have set up a one-way system upon entering the Cathedral’s west end. Please follow the signs.
Unfortunately, there the cathedral will not be able to provide toilet facilities during your visit.
They are also unable to provide refreshments and none are permitted in the building during your visit.
To help keep everyone safe, please follow social distancing and government guidance when you visit. If you are showing any of the symptoms of coronavirus, or if you’ve been in contact with anyone that has the virus in the last 14 days, please don’t visit.
By reserving your ticket you agree to Newcastle Cathedral collecting the contact information you provide for COVID-19 contact tracing purposes. The contact information you provide will be held securely and in accordance with our Data Privacy Policy which can be found on their website here.
Don’t forget to book your tickets on Eventbrite here.
