DURHAM Cathedral is throwing a “silent disco” rave in its nave – sparking a furious backlash.
The 1,000 year-old church is promising partygoers a night of “epic DJs” playing 1980s pop classics in “stunning surroundings”.
Durham Cathedral is 1,000 years years old and one of the country’s holiest sites[/caption]
They are charging between £30 and £75 for tickets to the rave, which is being hosted in January next year.
But critics said the Church of England should stick to religion rather than putting on club nights.
It comes after Canterbury Cathedral was slammed for putting graffiti stickers up in its historic church.
Sir Simon Clarke, a former Tory Cabinet minister who now runs the Onward think-tank, said: “In my experience, people want a more serious Church of England, offering meaningful guidance and moral teaching, and celebrating the beauty of our churches and traditions.
“What we get too often instead is lightweight stuff more suited to a failing youth club than a strong, confident national Church.”
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson added: “£75 a ticket? The Lord certainly does work in mysterious ways.”
An advert for the ‘rave in a nave’ says clubbers will be treated to a night of 80s classics including songs by Prince, Michael Jackson and Madonna.
Madonna was famously condemned by the Catholic Church for her “Like a Prayer” video, which featured burning crosses and the stigmata.
An advert for the silent disco rave in a nave being held at Durham Cathedral next year[/caption]
Madonna with her daughter Lourdes at Paris fashion week[/caption]
Durham Cathedral is one of the Church of England’s holiest sites. It contains the shrines of saints Cuthbert and Bede.
The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, said: “We host a range of events throughout the year, in which we welcome people who would not otherwise come to church, and which raise revenue to maintain our Norman building for future generations to enjoy.
“Durham Cathedral is one of the only major cathedrals which does not charge an entry fee to visitors, and revenue raising events are an important way of enabling us to maintain this commitment.
“However, we are clear that we are primarily a place of pilgrimage, prayer and proclamation.”
