Durham crowned the UK’s most festive city

Durham City has been named the UK’s most festive city, according to a comprehensive study that delved into over 150 years of historical newspaper data.

This recognition places Durham at the pinnacle of festive spirit, surpassing other renowned UK cities including Cambridge, York, Oxford, Bath and London

Durham’s ascent to the top of the festive list is attributed to its rich Christmas history, particularly centred around the iconic Durham Cathedral which has been a focal point of Christmas celebrations for centuries.

The city’s enduring tradition of playing ‘verse anthem’ during Christmas services, a practice dating back to the 17th century, further cements its festive reputation.

The study, which was carried out by family history site, Findmypast, analysed over 70 million newspaper pages from 1861 to 2021, weighing Christmas mentions against the average population of various cities.

This approach ensured a fair comparison, preventing larger cities from dominating the rankings due to their size. Interestingly, major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham didn’t feature in the top ranks.

Adding to Durham’s festive allure is the Lumiere Festival, the UK’s largest light festival. This event has become a significant contributor to Durham’s Christmas charm, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience the city’s festive ambience.

The Top 10 Festive UK Cities

Durham leads the list with a perfect score (1.00), followed closely by Cambridge (0.95) and York (0.80). The top ten also include Ely, Oxford, Lincoln, Salisbury, Derby, Bath, and Exeter.

This study not only highlights Durham’s unique relationship with Christmas but also offers a historical lens through which the evolution of festive celebrations in the UK can be viewed.

It’s a proud moment for Durham, affirming its status as a city deeply rooted in tradition and rich in festive spirit.