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On Saturday 28 June 2025, prepare for lift-off! Ushaw is blasting into orbit for a one-day cosmic celebration of science, space and summer fun like no other. Whether you’re a mini astronaut, seasoned stargazer, or just curious about the cosmos – this is your launchpad to adventure.
press coverage
Bishop Auckland Pride Festival to return for a second year
The free all-day festival, in association with Bishop Auckland College, will transform the college grounds into a vibrant celebration of belonging, unity, and local pride.
Headlining the main stage is the sensational Danny Beard, bringing charisma, uniqueness, and talent to Bishop Auckland. They’ll be joined by a nostalgic 90’s Experience Set packed with iconic anthems, the one and only Eastenders star Cheryl Fergison lighting up the stage with her larger-than-life energy, a dynamic Vengaboyz Experience that will have the crowd on their feet, and a dazzling ABBA Duo performing all the classic pop hits.
Aycliffe Street Food Market Returns
The Aycliffe Street Food Market is making a return, bringing global flavours, local craft beers, and free, family-friendly entertainment to Aycliffe Town Centre every month. Based on visitor feedback, and to better align with the Town Centre’s programme of events, the market will now take place every first Friday of the month.
Street Food Market Is Back
Bishop Auckland Street Food Market is making a return, bringing global flavours, local craft beers, and free family- friendly entertainment to the market place on the Last Friday of every month. Kicking off on Friday 28 March, the vibrant outdoor markets are set to be a highlight of the calendar from March to October, injecting life into the historical market place and driving footfall into the town.
Love comes to town with Shildon Hearts Festival
Following the success of last year’s Leap Festival, event organiser Baccanalia has announced the Shildon Hearts Festival will light up the town square and Locomotion to celebrate connection and community on Friday 14 February between 3pm and 7pm.The event also marks a historic milestone, honouring Shildon’s pivotal role in the birth of the Stockton & Darlington Railway on its 200th anniversary.
Free Ice Rink at Spennymoor Christmas Market
An outdoor synthetic ice rink is coming to the heart of Spennymoor on Saturday 14th December from midday until 6pm. The rink will be free for the local community, providing the perfect opportunity for beginners, children, and first-timers to experience the fun of skating. Set against the festive backdrop of the Spennymoor Christmas Market, it promises to add extra sparkle to an exciting day of seasonal activities.
Christmas Market comes to Spennymoor
Spennymoor is set to transform into a festive gathering on Saturday, 14 December, as the town’s highly anticipated Christmas Market takes over Festival Walk and the High Street from midday until 6pm.This free event in the heart of Spennymoor promises something for everyone, featuring market stalls showcasing unique gifts, handcrafted ornaments, seasonal treats, and delicious street food – all highlighting the creativity and talent of local businesses and charities.
One-off Stanley market hailed as 'wonderful' by organisers
Stanley’s Tricks & Treats Market was a huge success this Halloween, drawing in crowds for an evening of frightful fun, community spirit, and creative costumes. The market provided families with the perfect opportunity to shop, browse, and soak in the festive atmosphere, while also supporting local businesses.
Tickets Now Available for Bishop Auckland's Magical Christmas Town
Bishop Auckland is fast becoming known as the Christmas Capital of the North and Christmas Town 2024 promises to dazzle with a full 10-day celebration of festive magic.
Stanley set to host new Halloween Market in October
A special Halloween Market is set to come to a County Durham town over Halloween, offering spooky stalls and prizes for the best costumes.
Stanley Tricks & Treats Market, organised by Baccanalia, will take over Stanley's Front Street on Thursday, October 31 from 4pm until 8pm.
Fun market heads to town
A series of specialist markets across County Durham will include an event in Barnard Castle on Saturday, October 19.
Durham County Council has partnered with social enterprise Baccanalia to organise a fun market in the town.
Bishop Auckland's Christmas town expands
Bishop Auckland is fast becoming known as the “Christmas Capital of the North East” and is set to dazzle once again as Christmas Town 2024 returns, extending its festive magic to a full 10-day celebration.
Bishop Auckland Christmas Town event returning for 2024
Bishop Auckland’s market square will be transformed into a ‘magical Christmas town’ for the fourth year this winter.
The Christmas Town event, now in its fourth year, will return after drawing 35,000 visitors over two days last year.
County Durham town hosts 'brilliant' first farmers' market
The arrival of a farmers' market at a County Durham town has been hailed as 'brilliant' as plans are already in place to bring back the farmers' market in the coming months.
Town's Heritage Festival Returns
Bishop Auckland Town Council has announced the return of its Heritage Festival on Saturday 28 September from 10am to 3pm.
The Town Hall and Market Square will be a hub of activity, promising an exciting line-up of free exhibitions, talks and events that will captivate all ages.
Markets to be held across County Durham in next month
Events in Crook, Consett, and Barnard Castle are among those planned by the organisers of Bishop Auckland’s Street Food Market.
Town centres and market squares will host “culinary showcases” and specialist markets throughout October, and a Christmas market in December.
Baccanalia to produce Heritage Festival Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland Heritage Festival returns on 28th September 2024!
Bishop Auckland Town Council are proud to present a captivating journey of discovery as we celebrate the heritage of our beloved town! Enjoy free exhibitions, family activities, vintage cars, guest speakers, and much more. Stay tuned for the full program announcement!
Big Brass Brash Set For Shildon
DURHAM BRASS Festival will fill the air of Hackworth Park on Wednesday 10 July when the Big Brass Bash comes to town.
The annual celebration of global brass music makes a welcome retunr after missing our Shildon last year. Bringing a lively and electic mix of sounds to the Hackworth Park bandstand will be: Das Brass, a virtuosic ensemble of jazz maestros who thrive on bringing the party to life.
Display of unity and pride at first festival
Bishop Auckland hosted its inaugural pride event this weekend, with members of the LGBTQ+ community coming together to celebrate inclusion.
Attendees donned colourful clothing, rainbow flags and glittering face paint which sparkled in the June sun as they gathered to celebrate equality and diversity in the town and wider County Durham.
Taking Pride in inclusivity and diversity
Cultural entertainment company Baccanalia is working with the students at Bishop Auckland College to produce a vibrant two-day Pride Festival on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June. The festival will take place on the college campus and welcomes the whole town to come along, promising to be a colourful tapestry celebrating identities and cultures.
New Food Markets Coming to Aycliffe and Crook this year
The organisers behind Bishop Auckland's Street Food Market which drew thousands of visitors to the town in 2023 have announced they are expanding their events across the county this year.
County Durham to Welcome an Array of Specialist Markets across Eleven Towns
Durham County Council has procured specialist social enterprise Baccanalia to organise bespoke markets at 11 centres across the county.
Ranging from craft markets, street food, farmers’ markets, vintage fayres and Christmas markets, the events will run across the calendar year and build on previous events which have been held in Bishop Auckland.
