Music & Theatre

First Wednesday of the Month, 1-3pm. Put on your dancing shoes and join us for a delightful afternoon of music, dancing and companionship at Ushaw! Set within the beautiful surroundings of the Refectory, our Tea Dances are the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon filled with music, movement and good company. The tea dances will begin at 1pm, please arrive from 12:30pm where tea and coffee will be served. Tickets are free for those living in the following postcodes: All DH postcodes DL13, DL14, DL15, DL16, DL17 Those living outside the above postcode areas, can still purchase tickets for a small fee (admission is not required for this activity).  We will be running a minibus around the local villages of Ushaw to pick up anyone who would like to attend but doesn't have access to transport. Please contact charlotte@ushaw.org or 0191 373 8500 to book a space.  This activity has been generously funded by the Banks Property Grassroots Fund.

Saturday 3 October 2026. Experience the tradition and grandeur of The Last Night of the Proms in the breathtaking St Cuthbert’s Chapel. Let the powerful voices of the Ushaw Chapel Choir and the stirring sounds of the Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band lift your spirits in an unforgettable evening of music. Bring your flags and your friends – it’s a night of celebration you won’t want to miss! Francis Thompson Lounge & Bar open from 5pm First Half  7pm-7:45pm 30 minute interval  Second Half  8:15pm-9pm

Saturday 7 November 2026. Join us for a Remembrance Concert where music and reflection come together in a powerful tribute. Set in St Cuthbert's Chapel, the evening features the voices of Ushaw Chapel Choir alongside the evocative sound of Bearpark & Esh Colliery Brass Band. Through a carefully chosen programme, the concert honours remembrance, sacrifice, and community, offering a poignant and uplifting experience in this remarkable setting. Francis Thompson Lounge & Bar open from 5pm First Half  7pm-7:45pm 30 minute interval  Second Half  8:15pm-9pm

Saturday 5 December 2026.  You’re warmly invited to an inclusive, fun and family-friendly afternoon of Christmas music, set in the stunning surroundings of St Cuthbert’s Chapel.  This special event will showcase Ushaw’s much-loved dementia-friendly choir, ‘Forget Me Notes’.  Look forward to uplifting performances, festive sing-alongs and a wonderfully seasonal atmosphere. Song sheets and instruments will be available, and everyone is welcome to take part—sing, play, or simply enjoy the music. Tickets to the concert are Pay As You Wish. For a festive day out exploring our House, Chapels & Gardens, a Day Pass or Membership is required.

Sunday 6 December 2026.  This December, feel the chill of Christmas past, the urgency of the present, and the hope of a future redeemed as Alfie Joe, performs his own solo version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; a timeless tale, told like you’ve never seen it before. Step into the flicker of candlelight and the crackle of a winter’s night as Alfie Joey (much loved ‘BBC presenter’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ impressionist) brings A Christmas Carol   vividly to life in a spellbinding solo performance that will warm even the coldest of hearts. With nothing but his extraordinary gift for storytelling and a dazzling repertoire of voices, Alfie transforms some of the North East’s much loved venues (and hidden gems) into Dickens’ London—where Scrooge snarls, Marley rattles his chains, and Bob Cratchit’s quiet hope melts the frostiest heart. Every character, every moment, every ghostly whisper is conjured before your eyes in a performance that is by turns hilarious, haunting, and deeply moving. Suitable for ages 16+  Act 1  4pm-4:45pm Act 2  5:15pm-6pm

Mon 7 & Tue 8 December 2026.  Back by popular demand, Rock Choir returns to Ushaw for another unforgettable Christmas performance. Expect an energetic mix of festive favourites, modern Christmas classics and uplifting vocal harmonies, bringing the joy and spirit of the season to the magnificent St Cuthbert’s Chapel. Join us this Christmas for an unforgettable evening of live music and festive cheer, complete with a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Francis Thompson Bar will open from 5pm St Cuthbert's Chapel doors will open at 6:30pm First Half: 7pm-7:45pm Second Half: 8:15pm-9pm Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie after the concert Please note that the above timings are approximate and may vary slightly on the evening.

Wed 9 December 2026.  Experience the magic of Christmas with Northern Lights as they make their Ushaw debut. Their captivating voices and distinctive sound will provide a memorable evening of festive music, set against the beautiful backdrop of St Cuthbert’s Chapel. Join us this Christmas for an unforgettable evening of live music and festive cheer, complete with a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Francis Thompson Bar will open from 5pm  St Cuthbert's Chapel doors will open at 7pm  First Half: 7:30pm-8pm Second Half: 8:30pm-9pm Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie after the concert Please note that the above timings are approximate and may vary slightly on the evening.

Fri 11 December 2026.  Celebrate the festive season with the North East Gospel Choir in the beautiful surroundings of Ushaw. Their uplifting programme combines joyful gospel music in the first half with a heart-warming selection of traditional Christmas favourites after the interval. Join us this Christmas for an unforgettable evening of live music and festive cheer, complete with a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Francis Thompson Bar will open from 5pm St Cuthbert's Chapel doors will open at 6:30pm First Half: 7pm-7:45pm Second Half: 8:15pm-9:45pm Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie after the concert Please note that the above timings are approximate and may vary slightly on the evening.

Sat 12 December 2026.  Enjoy a live orchestral accompaniment by the Durham Music Youth Orchestra as they bring the beloved animated film to life, complete with the enchanting song Walking in the Air. Set within the stunning surrounds of Ushaw’s Exhibition Hall Theatre, this festive favourite captures the nostalgia and magic of Christmas. Join us as we bring Raymond Briggs’ timeless classic to life in a truly magical Christmas celebration. “I remember that winter because it had brought the heaviest snow I had ever seen. Snow had fallen steadily all night long and in the morning I woke in a room filled with light and silence, the whole world seemed to be held in a dream-like stillness. It was a magical day… and it was on that day I made the Snowman.” © Snowman Enterprises Ltd Ticket is for the performance only. Performances at 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm  For a festive day out exploring our House, Chapels & Gardens, a Day Pass or Membership is required.

Sun 13 December 2026.  Northern Camerata presents A Viennese Christmas . Northern Camerata strings are delighted to be back at the beautiful St Cuthbert’s Chapel for a colourful fusion of Viennese waltzes & polkas and your favourite Christmas music. Joined by the wonderful Hexham-born soprano Katie Oswell, who will delight us with some of your favourite Christmas songs combined with popular arias from Viennese operetta.  Join us for a glittering evening as we celebrate the festive season Viennese-style — complete with a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Francis Thompson Bar will open from 5pm St Cuthbert's Chapel doors will open at 6:30pm First Half: 7pm-7:40pm Second Half: 8:10pm-9pm Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie after the concert Please note that the above timings are approximate and may vary slightly on the evening.

Wed 16 December 2026.  Celebrate Christmas with the incredible Durham Miners Association Brass Band. Their vibrant sound and festive spirit promise an uplifting evening of seasonal joy for all ages. From rousing anthems to gentle carols, their performance will fill St Cuthbert’s Chapel with sparkle and cheer. Join us this Christmas for an unforgettable evening of live music and festive cheer, complete with a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Francis Thompson Bar will open from 5pm   St Cuthbert's Chapel doors will open at 6:30pm First Half: 7pm-7:45pm Second Half: 8:15pm-9pm Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie after the concert Please note that the above timings are approximate and may vary slightly on the evening.

Thurs 17 December 2026.  Join Ushaw Chapel Choir for a special evening of Christmas music in the beautiful surroundings of St Cuthbert’s Chapel. Enjoy traditional carols, much-loved festive favourites and beautiful choral works that capture the spirit of the season. Join us this Christmas for an unforgettable evening of live music and festive cheer, complete with a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Francis Thompson Bar will open from 5pm  St Cuthbert's Chapel doors will open at 7pm  First Half: 7:30pm-8:15pm Second Half: 8:45pm-9:30pm  Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie after the concert Please note that the above timings are approximate and may vary slightly on the evening.

Fri 18 December 2026.  Christmas comes to life with the award-winning Bearpark & Esh Colliery Brass Band. Renowned for their vibrant performances, they will bring together rousing brass arrangements, festive favourites and traditional carols for an entertaining evening of seasonal music. Join us this Christmas for an unforgettable evening of live music and festive cheer, complete with a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Francis Thompson Bar will open from 5pm  St Cuthbert's Chapel doors will open at 6:30pm First Half: 7pm-7:45pm Second Half: 8:15pm-9pm  Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie after the concert

Sun 20 December 2026.  Known for their confident vocals, dynamic performances and impressive harmonies, Voice of the Town Choir brings its distinctive sound to Ushaw this Christmas. Expect a lively programme of festive favourites, contemporary Christmas songs and beautifully arranged vocal pieces. Join us this Christmas for an unforgettable evening of live music and festive cheer, complete with a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Francis Thompson Bar will open from 5pm   St Cuthbert's Chapel doors will open at 6:30pm Concert: 7pm-8pm (no interval)  Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie after the concert Please note that the above timings are approximate and may vary slightly on the evening.