Journeys of Hope
A series of creative collaborations across our Trust brought pupils, staff, and local communities together from 2020 – 2023 to explore identity and celebrate a shared spirit of community. Through music, dance, poetry, and visual arts, the project showed how young people can stay inspired, adaptable, and connected in challenging times.
Highlights included a virtual choir of 180 pupils from 11 schools performing We’ll Meet Again for VE Day in May 2020, followed by Angels We Have Heard on High, a Carol for the North-East written by Bishop Chadwick and performed in December 2020 by almost 2,000 pupils from 12 schools.
In July 2022, the Trust delivered its most ambitious project, Footsteps into Paradise, an immersive musical and art experience created with over 300 pupils, staff, and community groups.
Led by local performer Mike McGrother, it told the story of the region through its “hidden heroes,” featuring original songs and a score rooted in North Eastern musical traditions. The production was performed over two nights at Durham Cathedral.
The next phase of Journeys of Hope used elements of Gaudete: A Mass Setting to spark conversations about faith across schools, parishes, and communities. This included parish-based Faith Walks: Walks for Joy, giving people space to reflect on what faith means to them.
The project concluded in November 2023 with JOY in My Heart at Rainton Arena, a celebratory finale made possible by the contributions of pupils, staff, parishioners, and community members.
Links to Footsteps into Paradise and JOY in My Heart can be found below.