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The Coronation of King Charles III

In May, the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey, and Durham Cathedral is marking this historic occasion with a series of special services and events.

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 May

The Big Lunch

Get your picnic blanket out and join in with 'The Big Lunch' on the Cloister Garth.

Plan your visit

Monday 8 May

The Big Help Out

Meet current volunteers as you tour around the cathedral and learn more about volunteering at Durham Cathedral. 

Book a tour

Tuesday 9 May

Coronation Evensong

Join this special service to mark the beginning of a new reign. The Bishop of Durham will give an address and the HM Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham will be in attendance. 

Join this service

Lighting up in celebration

Every evening from Friday 5 May until Tuesday 9 May, Durham Cathedral will be illuminated in red, white and blue, which you will be able to see for miles around. 

The Big Help Out

To mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation, thousands of organisations across the country are promoting opportunities to help out in our own local communities. Durham Cathedral are delighted to welcome anyone interested in volunteering with us to learn more from our Volunteers Manager, on an informal tour of the Cathedral site, with the chance to meet some of our current volunteers. 

Learn more and book a tour

Coronation Bellringing

Hear the bells rung by volunteer bell-ringers on the following dates:

  • Saturday 6 May - Before the coronation, 9.30am-10.30am
  • Saturday 6 May - After the coronation, peal lasting over 3 hours from 12.30pm
  • Sunday 7 May - Before Evensong, 2.30pm-3.30pm
  • Tuesday 9 May - After Coronation Evensong, from 6.30pm

Coronation cope

We care for many special items in our collections here at Durham Cathedral. One of these items is an ornate royal cope worn by the Bishop of Durham at the coronations of Queen Elizabeth II, George VI, George V and Edward VII. 

The cope was on display for The Queen's Jubilee last year as part of the Crown and Cathedral: Durham’s Royal Stories exhibition, which showed snapshots of Durham’s changing relationship with monarchs over the centuries. 

Find out more
Person in Crown and Cathedral exhibition

Coronation Gifts

Browse a selection of gifts and memorabilia in the gift shop to mark the historic occasion.

Royal Visit to Durham

Durham Cathedral has had many connections royalty throughout its 1,000-year history.

In February 2018, the then Prince Charles visited Durham and officially opened the cathedral's museum. As well as meeting members of staff, the choir and the congregation he also greeted crowds on Palace Green.

More events in County Durham

Durham Cathedral is just one of many places across the county that is hosting special celebrations for this historic occasion. ThisIsDurham has put together a full list of events so you can find out what's happening near you.

Discover more Coronation events