A BARNARD Castle chartered surveyor is again organising a major fundraising Christmas concert for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Jonathan Wallis, of Jonathan Wallis Chartered Surveyors, has turned his Startforth office into an operations centre as arrangements are made for the annual Christmas at the Cathedral concert in Newcastle.
Mr Wallis said: “The concert is now an established part of the region’s Christmas celebrations. It always sells out quickly and it’s a great way to start the Christmas week by watching a top-quality show and knowing that you are helping such a worthwhile charity.”
This year the concert, at St Nicholas’ Cathedral, will take place on Thursday, December 19, and funds raised will be donated to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation to help find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.
The event will see a host of celebrities sing, give readings and perform comedy sketches, all with a Christmas theme.
Stars such as Stephen Tompkinson, Tim Healy, Melanie Hill, Denise Welch, Jimmy Nail, Rachel Unthank and Melissa Cavanagh have all featured in previous concerts. State-of-the-art lighting and sound systems will transform the cathedral into an atmospheric theatrical venue while huge TV screens will ensure that no one misses any of the action.
Ex-Lindisfarne drummer Ray Laidlaw will once again produce the concert.
The late Sir Bobby Robson launched his Foundation in 2008 and it has gone on to raise more than £13.5million.
The work it funds directly benefits cancer patients in the North East and Cumbria and plays a significant role in the international fight against the disease.
The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation does not employ professional fundraisers – instead it relies volunteers and the generosity of the public.
Lady Elsie Robson said: “I look forward to this event every year and I’m grateful that the show’s in aid of our foundation once again.
“Christmas at the Cathedral has become a wonderful festive tradition for me and lots of other people too.
“The entertainment is always marvellous and the venue makes for a very special atmosphere.”
Tickets start from £20 and are available from the Theatre Royal box office on 0844 811 2121.
