Durham Cathedral Announce Events Programme For Magna Carta And The North

From 11 July, three rare Magna Cartas from the cathedral’s collection will go on display in Durham Cathedral Museum to mark the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue. To celebrate the anniversary, the cathedral has just announced an events programme so people can dive even deeper into story behind the Magna Carta.

From free talks and debates, to behind-the- scenes tours and family trails - there are lots of opportunities for new experiences for all age ranges to find out a little more about these 800-year-old documents.

Visitors have the opportunity to see the rare documents in Durham Cathedral Museum, by booking a timed slot which is £7.50 for adults and free for under 18s. As well as the events programme, the cathedral is also hosting a number of Magna Carta inspired art installations that were announced earlier this year.

Andrew Usher, Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral, says,
"It has been 8 years since the Magna Cartas and Forest Charters were last on display, so with the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue we’re looking forward to marking the occasion. As well as showcasing these fascinating documents we want all our visitors, no matter what their age, to explore what they mean in the world today. That's why alongside the documents and contemporary art installations, we've also put together an events programme, which starts in July with exclusive tours, includes free family activities in August and culminates in October with the return of Luxmuralis!"

The special events programme is now live for visitors to plan their summer, which includes a new exclusive tour of the cathedral’s secret spaces with the opportunity to see some of the rarest books from the collections, alongside a facsimile copy of the Magna Carta in the Refectory Library before seeing the real documents in the exhibition.

Another highlight of the events programme will be the return of Luxmuralis - a dazzling light and sound experience which has been an annual popular feature since 2022 with a new show each year. This year, from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 October, visitors will be able to experience The Storytellers, with stunning projections allowing visitors to walk through the world of much-loved literature, ancient texts and iconic children’s classics as they jump from their pages onto the cathedral centuries-old architecture.

Andrew continues,
“We know that people will be keen to see Magna Carta as well attend some of the paid-for events in the cathedral. So to make things a little easier, for the events you have to pay for, such as the Secret Spaces Tours and Luxmuralis we are doing a combined ticket offer with Museum access. For those people looking for a budget-friendly day out we have ensured our talks and family activities are free of charge and there will be interactive art installations throughout the cathedral. And, as always, the Museum is free for under 18s."

On display in the Museum will be the only surviving 1216 Magna Carta, along with issues from 1225 and 1300, and three Forest Charters - practical documents granting access to land and natural resources.

From 11 July to 2 November, visitors can get up close to the documents by booking a timed slot. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and are free for under 18s.

For more information visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/magnacarta