The North East’s most famous Saint is set to be celebrated this weekend (March 17) with a programme of festivities.

St Cuthbert’s Day, celebrated annually by visitors, is to include Evensong led by the Dean of York and the traditional pilgrimage from Finchdale Priory in a two-day programme of special events.

Visitors will be given free entry to see the treasures of St Cuthbert, as well as the chance to take part in storytelling, craft activities and a reading nook for families.

Read more: North East England Chamber of Commerce event held at Durham Cathedral

Andrew Usher, Chief Officer of Visitor Experience and Enterprise, said: “St Cuthbert is special to the people of Durham and the North East, so we want to encourage as many people to join us as possible for this fantastic celebration of our Northern saint.

“Whether people want to join the pilgrimage, stop by for family activities, join a service or simply light a candle everyone is welcome to take part in in the festivities.”

St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, a monk, bishop, and hermit, is a well-recognised Saint who is commonly associated with the monasteries of Melrose and Lindisfarne.

Cuthbert died in 687AD, and his coffin lying at the heart of Durham Cathedral.

Since then, March 20 is now marked every year as ‘St Cuthbert’s Day’.

The Reverend Canon Charlie Allen, Canon Chancellor at Durham Cathedral, said: “Cuthbert glimpsed the divine in all creation, whether that be the ‘cuddy duck’ sharing his monastic life on Inner Farne, or the person encountered on the road as he journeyed from Lindisfarne in his duties as bishop.

“Pilgrims have been travelling to Durham since the year 995 to give thanks for the life of this humble and inspiring man – we hope people will join our celebrations this weekend and do the same.”

To find out more about St Cuthbert’s day activities and how to get involved, click here.