World AIDS Day 2025

Remembrance and Reflection: Honouring Lives, Inspiring Change.

With music by Ryan Petitjean, the Mayor of the City of Durham will open this year’s remembrance event, setting a tone of solemnity and unity.

We are honoured to welcome our very special guest, Rupert Whitaker OBE, co-founder of the Terrence Higgins Trust, whose pioneering work has transformed the landscape of HIV awareness and LGBT+ advocacy in the UK.

Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham and Darlington, will speak on the theme of reconciliation and the evolution of inclusive policing, highlighting the strides made in building trust and safety for the LGBT+ community.

We will also hear from Jack Wilson and Mark Bond-Webster, who will share their personal journeys and lived experiences with AIDS/HIV, reminding us of the resilience, loss, and courage that continue to shape our collective memory and future.

The event will close with candles being lit with the final act of remembrance led by the Rev. Kate Eaton-Wells, Chaplain to St Chads.

· Date: 1 December 2025

· Arrival Time: 1.15pm

· Location: St Chad’s chapel, 18 North Bailey, Durham.

· Hosted by: Durham Pride UK