BEATING CANCER: Christmas at the Cathedral event organiser Jonathan Wallis with Lady Elsie Robson, producer Ray Laidlaw and sponsor Michael McGarry
BEATING CANCER: Christmas at the Cathedral event organiser Jonathan Wallis with Lady Elsie Robson, producer Ray Laidlaw and sponsor Michael McGarry

PREPARATIONS are well underway for the eighth Christmas at the Cathedral event, a glittering celebration of the festive season performed by some of the region’s biggest names in music, TV, comedy, sport and entertainment.

This year, the star-studded show, which will take place at St Nicholas Cathedral, in Newcastle, will once again raise cash for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which funds cutting-edge cancer treatment and innovative support services that directly benefit patients across the region. Vital funds will be raised from the concert as a host of celebrity stars perform songs, readings and comedy sketches while choirs will sing both traditional festive songs and Christmas Carols in front of a sellout crowd on Thursday, December 19.

Barnard Castle chartered surveyor Jonathan Wallis, who is once again organising the fundraising event, said: “I am very grateful to our business sponsors who have freely given their support to help make it the success it is.”

One such sponsor is solicitor, Michael McGarry, who has offices in Barnard Castle Leyburn, Sedbergh and Hawes. He said: “I’m happy to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as it’s a way of making sure that if cancer strikes then the right help is available for those in need.”

Lady Elsie Robson said: "I’m very grateful to all the sponsors who are supporting Christmas at the Cathedral this year. I hope they’ll enjoy the night as much as I know I will.”

Sir Bobby Robson launched his Foundation in 2008 and it has gone on to raise over £13.5million to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer. Visit stnicholas

cathedral.co.uk for details of the event