Durham Cathedral's Christmas tree lights switched on
Dec 22 2008 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal
THE magic of Christmas was brought to life at Durham Cathedral yesterday when thousands of lights illuminating the building’s 30ft Christmas tree were switched on.
Peter Phillips, a seven-year-old pupil at Durham’s Shincliffe Primary School, was given the honour of lighting a single candle on the tree to trigger the 2,000 lights.
The youngster, whose family are regular members of the cathedral congregation, was accompanied by the Dean of the cathedral and the choir and clergy in the ceremony, which also saw the blessing of the crib.
The Dean, The Very Rev Michael Sadgrove, said: “The lighting of the Christmas tree is always a magical event. For us at the Cathedral it’s the launch of the festive season of joy, celebration and thankfulness.
“As Dean, I cherish walking through the darkened cathedral with the child who has been chosen to light the candle on the tree – it’s a great highlight of the year. I am sure that for Peter, it’s a moment he will never forget.”
The service is very popular with local families who leave Christmas gifts under the tree to be distributed by the Salvation Army to those less fortunate. Donations left during the lighting of the Christmas tree are divided between Save the Children, the Children’s Society, the NSPCC and Mencap.
