Durham Cathedral is set to host a “silent disco” rave in its nave, provoking significant backlash from critics. The historic church, which dates back over 1,000 years, promises an evening featuring “epic DJs” spinning 1980s pop classics amid its “stunning surroundings,” reports BritPanorama.
Tickets for the event range from £30 to £75, with the rave scheduled for January next year. However, some detractors have expressed that the Church of England should prioritize its spiritual mission over entertainment ventures like this.
This controversy follows earlier criticism of other religious institutions; recently, Canterbury Cathedral faced condemnation for displaying graffiti stickers within its sacred space. Sir Simon Clarke, a former Conservative minister and current head of the Onward think-tank, remarked, “In my experience, people want a more serious Church of England, offering meaningful guidance and moral teaching.” He emphasized that the church should celebrate its traditions rather than engage in events more appropriate for “a failing youth club.”
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson also weighed in, quipping, “£75 a ticket? The Lord certainly does work in mysterious ways.” An advertisement for the ‘rave in a nave’ touts a lineup of 80s hits, including tracks from Prince, Michael Jackson, and Madonna, all of which may stir further discussions on the appropriateness of the event.
Durham Cathedral stands as one of the Church of England’s most revered sites, housing the shrines of saints Cuthbert and Bede. The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, defended the event strategy, stating, “We host a range of events throughout the year, welcoming people who would not otherwise come to church, and which raise revenue to maintain our Norman building for future generations.” He further noted, “Durham Cathedral is one of the only major cathedrals which does not charge an entry fee to visitors, and revenue-raising events are crucial to maintaining this commitment.” However, he insisted, “We are clear that we are primarily a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and proclamation.”
