Explore North East England

Durham Cathedral

One of the finest surviving examples of Romanesque architecture can be found at the beautiful Durham Cathedral, where the breathtaking vaulted ceiling soars skyward like the choristers’ voices.

• Perfect for: Choirs
• Repertoire: Sacred
• Performance times: On Mondays and holidays, the Cathedral welcomes visiting choirs from close by and from all over the world to sing services. For a very special concert experience, the cathedral can be hired for an evening concert.

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead

Hailed as the music and performance mecca of the North East, this state of the art venue not only offers performances but an array of music courses classes and workshops. During a tour of this magnificent building, your choir can also experience an informal sing in one of the many performance spaces!

• Perfect for: All musical ensembles
• Repertoire: Mixed
• Performance times: At certain times of the year, the venue welcomes visiting musicians and choirs to perform on the Concourse which is the main hub of the building so an audience is guaranteed. For a very special concert experience, the main auditorium can be hired for a concert.

Hexham Abbey

Set in a befitting serene and rural location, this beautiful abbey offers a friendly welcome and unique setting. Built from 1170-1250, the original Abbey still remains and fortunately survived Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries and became the local parish church. At the heart of Hexham Abbey is a living tradition of liturgy and music that dates back to the 7th century.

• Perfect for: Choirs
• Repertoire: Sacred and Classical
• Performance times: Lunchtime Live is a weekly concert series usually held on a Thursday where musicians can perform in the atmospheric setting of the abbey. During holiday periods, the Abbey welcomes visiting choirs from close by and from all over the world to sing services.

Hexham Bandstand

This Grade II listed bandstand was restored to its former glory in 2016 and its location, just a stone’s throw from Hexham Abbey, makes it a very special place to perform! It is a much-loved music venue for the residents of Hexham and comes to life in the summer months.

• Perfect for: All musical ensembles and performance groups
• Repertoire: Mixed
• Performance times: Throughout the summer months

The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall

Most probably one of the more unique performance venues on offer in the North East! The Sill, the UK's National Landscape Discovery Centre, set in dramatic, lush surroundings with views of Hadrian’s Wall, offers performers an opportunity like no other. Start your visit with a performance in the exhibition area of this popular visitor attraction, followed by a tour of its iconic building and grassland roof and end a perfect visit by sampling some delicious local produce in the cafe whilst ‘drinking’ in the spectacular views.

• Perfect for: All musical ensembles and performance groups
• Repertoire: Mixed
• Performance times: Anytime on request

Music Festivals

Why not combine your performances to the North East with a visit to appreciate some of the local talent? The most notable being the Durham Brass Band Festival in July and Hexham Abbey Festival in September.