County Durham Community Foundation

Collabro, the world’s most successful musical theatre vocal group, are to play one final concert to support County Durham Community Foundation’s £1million Poverty Hurts campaign.

Organised by the High Sheriff of Durham, Shona Harper-Wilkes, who is backing the Poverty Hurts Appeal, the event will take place at Durham Cathedral on Saturday 25^th March 2023.

Collabro recently announced that their current tour, which finishes in December, would be the last before the group go their separate ways. However, fans will have one last opportunity to listen to the stunning vocals of the multi-million selling artists.

Tickets for the concert are now on sale from Durham Cathedral box office – https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173635083

Since winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2014, Collabro have had six top selling albums and five sell out UK tours. They announced in August that the upcoming November and December dates would be their last.

County Durham Community Foundation’s £1m appeal, Poverty Hurts was founded in response to the cost-of-living crisis to support families choosing between heating and eating (and those who can afford neither), older people at risk of poor health and death due to cold homes, young people leaving care, children without warm winter coats and many more.

Around 32,000 local children and young people in the county are classed as living in poverty, whilerecent research published by the North East Child Poverty Commission revealed that almost two in five of the region’s children are living in poverty – the highest rate of any UK nation or region.

With the expertise of the Foundation’s team, donations from businesses in the community will unlock match funding opportunities, bringing about long-term solutions as well as providing immediate support to those in the county most affected by soaring costs. Last year, one £1,000 grant alone helped 186 people, including 81 children. Every penny donated will make a huge difference to people facing crisis and hardship because County Durham Community Foundation will match it with 50p to create a future legacy of ongoing support across County Durham.

High Sheriff of Durham, Shona Harper-Wilkes: “We are so incredibly excited to have Collabro play at Durham Cathedral in what will be their final ever concert together. It's set to be a truly momentous occasion and I'm hugely grateful to them as I know, through our Poverty Hurts appeal, it will also make a massive difference to the lives of so many across our County in these difficult times.”

Chief Executive of County Durham Community Foundation Michelle Cooper said: “I can’t thank the High Sheriff enough for organising this wonderful concert and, of course, Collabro for coming together one last time.

“Now more than ever we need to support people who are quite literally living in fear for their lives this winter and beyond. So, while enjoying a wonderful evening of song, people attending can be sure that the money raised will go to those in our region who really need some extra help.”

Collabro said: "We are really excited to be performing at Durham Cathedral for such a prestigious event - what a privilege! We can’t wait to sing in such a beautiful venue."

For sponsorship opportunities contact sie@theeventhero.co.uk

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF COUNTY DURHAM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

County Durham Community Foundation works with local communities to fund projects that enrich lives and fight poverty. Founded 27 years ago, the Foundation connects people who love to give with local causes that really matter. Donations to the Poverty Hurts Appeal will support children without winter coats or shoes, families living in fuel poverty; and senior citizens who feel forgotten and frightened. The Poverty Hurts Appeal is about bringing businesses and individuals together to fight excess winter deaths, fight poverty-related misery, and help the 32,000 children and young people affected by poverty in County Durham.