AS we celebrate Hexham Abbey's 1,350th anniversary, we look back at events held at the historic building.
In 2023, Luke Jerram's highly acclaimed "Museum of the Moon" came to Hexham Abbey from September 29 to November 12.
In 2022, the Abbey marked the return of Sankta Lucia, a Swedish festival that celebrates the triumph of light over the winter darkness.
Singers from the renowned London Nordic Choir performed the traditional Scandinavian-inspired seasonal songs, followed by a traditional Sankta Lucia performance in which Lucia processes around the darkened Abbey wearing a crown of candles.
In 2021, Hexham Abbey's 'On Angel Wings' installation raised money for Tynedale Hospice at Home and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) through donations.
A cheque presentation was held at the Abbey with each charity receiving £3,175.
The installation, which symbolises lives affected by Covid and has dedications to loved ones, is due to be taken down on October 14. It includes 4,500 angels suspended 45 feet in the choirstalls; a further 2,000 form a colourful rainbow display - a symbol of the Covid pandemic.
In 2019, “Ignite” was the first Festival of Flame event.
Hexham Town Council wanted to add some extra magic to the Christmas lights switch-on event and, in partnership with Queen's Hall Arts, promote their “Viking Christmas” show, a theme that was to inform some of the installations at the event.
The event was then later paused during Covid but returned again in 2022. The theme for that year was “Illuminate". This year in 2024 on February 2 and 3 - the theme was dedicated towards the anniversary of the abbey.
In September 2018, the then Prince of Wales visited Hexham Abbey during his tour of Hexham. He then returned after meeting some of the county’s tradespeople at the market and toured the historic Hexham Abbey and its crypt.
In 2016, Marcus Wibberley decided to change-up the music in Hexham Abbey Music Festival to bring new audiences who might not otherwise think of coming in through the doors. He also decided to included performing art and artwork on canvas.
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