Thousands of poppies to fall silently from Durham Cathedral’s central tower this weekend.
A poignant moment of reflection will bring the Durham Festival of Remembrance to a close
Durham Cathedral will bring people together this weekend for its annual Remembrance Weekend, offering the chance to honour those who gave their lives in conflict and to pray for peace in the world today.
The Durham Festival of Remembrance will take place on Saturday 7 November at 7.30pm, followed by the Remembrance Sunday Service on Sunday 8 November at 10.15am.
Organised by the Army Benevolent Fund, the Festival has become a significant annual Remembrance event in the North East. Through a moving combination of spoken word, music and the silent poppy drop, it brings people together to commemorate those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts over the years.
This year’s event will be narrated by renowned North East broadcaster Carol Malia and will feature performances from the Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Enter CIC, Military WAGS Choir Catterick, soprano Charlotte Potter and the Tyne Electrical Engineers Association Pipes and Drums.
The Festival will culminate in the Muster and Act of Remembrance, when thousands of poppies fall silently from the Cathedral’s central tower.
Lt Col Barney Barnbrook, Regional Director of the Army Benevolent Fund, said:
“For 17 years, the Durham Festival of Remembrance has brought people together to remember service and sacrifice. For the Army Benevolent Fund, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to organise an occasion that keeps those stories alive and ensures remembrance continues to resonate with future generations.”
Carol Malia, broadcaster and journalist, said:
“I am honoured to be involved in the 2026 Durham Festival of Remembrance. Having attended a similar event in the past, I know how powerful they can be in such majestic surroundings. We will be remembering with pride and giving gratitude with joy.”
The following morning, the Cathedral’s Remembrance Sunday Service will remember those killed in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to put their lives at risk today. The service will bring together scripture readings, prayers and music sung by the Cathedral Choir, with a sermon from Canon Professor Simon Oliver.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can also spend time in the Durham Light Infantry Chapel during normal Cathedral opening hours. The chapel offers a place of peace, respect and gratitude, commemorating the service and sacrifice of local soldiers.
The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, said:
“Remembrance Weekend is an important moment in the life of Durham Cathedral and our wider community. As we honour those who have given their lives in conflict, we also come together in hope and prayer for peace in our world today. Through music, reflection and worship, these events offer everyone a space to remember, to give thanks and to renew our commitment to peace.”
Tickets for the Durham Festival of Remembrance can be booked through the Durham Cathedral website. Further information about the Remembrance Sunday Service is also available online.
Remembrance Event details
Festival of Remembrance: Saturday 7 November 2026, 7.30pm
Tickets here.
Remembrance Sunday Service: Sunday 8 November 2026, 10.15am
Further information on Remembrance Weekend 2026 here.
