Blackhill and Consett Park events

Please follow government guidance and only use our parks to exercise by yourself; with the people you live with; with your support bubble; in a childcare bubble where providing childcare or, when on your own, with one person from another household. Please stay local to your home and only exercise once a day.

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Through Soldier's Eyes photography workshops in The Lodge

Starts 25 June (8 weeks)
1.00pm to 4.00pm

As part of a county-wide community engagement programme linked to the Through Soldier's Eyes exhibition, which takes place at Bishop Auckland Town Hall gallery this autumn, professional photographer and military veteran Simon Green is running an eight-week series of creative photography workshops for military veterans.

Sessions take place in the Civic Hall, Stanley, DH9 0NA and at The Lodge. No previous photographic experience is required, but participants will need to bring either a digital camera or smart phone.

Veterans from all services, regulars, T.A and reserve are welcome. The workshops are free but registration is required. To book e-mail: ThroughSoldiersEyes@durham.gov.uk or phone 07786 027469.

This event is being funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Durham County Council, Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership and Bishop Auckland Town Council.

Family Gardening and Mess and Make sessions.

Monday 9, 16 and 23 August.  

10am and 1.30pm

Community Garden (behind the Lodge).

Free. Pre-booking is essential.

These sessions offer an opportunity for children to take part alongside adults in some simple and enjoyable gardening activities. Join Liz to learn about the basics of growing and how gardens can help nature. The sessions will also include other activities such as arts and crafts, making and doing activity and other messy stuff. Please dress in old clothes suitable for the weather on the day. Refreshments will be available but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

Billy Shakes: Wonder Boy!

A Wrongsemble production for Gala Durham

Thursday 12 August.  Outdoor stage area

Performances at 11.00am and 2.00pm.

Free. No booking required.

A new family show bringing fun to neighbourhoods across County Durham this August.

An exciting show for ages 4+ and their grown-ups about one of the greatest storytellers of all time.

Bursting with live music, this interactive fun-filled show embraces the joy of storytelling, and the untold stories within us all.

Family favourite company Wrongsemble present this joyous outdoor production made especially for County Durham audiences.

Additional audience information:

Running time: approximately 60 minutes. (No interval).

The performances will be BSL interpreted.

All performances are free (no booking or tickets required) and will be outdoors.

Our front of house team will seat audiences safely on arrival and in line with current government guidelines.

Please bring your own refreshments, picnic blankets and camping chairs to sit on but please note that if you sit near the front, you may be asked you to sit on the ground so as not to block the view of other audience members.

Performances will only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions and if there is a safety concern for our audiences, staff or company.

Drama In The Park - with Mad Alice Theatre Company

Thursday 19 August

Sessions at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm

Meet at The Lodge

Free. Pre-booking essential.

Lively and interactive family sessions with Mad Alice Theatre Company. Enjoy a creative fun-filled journey around the park, stopping for games, drama and stories along the way. We suggest you bring a picnic to extend your stay, and some drinks to keep everyone refreshed. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear for walking. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Circus Skills workshops - with Bell and Bullock Circus Theatre

Thursday 26 August.

Sessions at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

Meet at The Lodge. Sessions take place by the bandstand.

Free. Pre-booking essential.

Join Karen and Dave in an energetic and fun-filled family session learning some of the basics of circus performing skills. The activities have been adapted to avoid household mixing and all equipment will be cleaned between sessions. Each session lasts 1 hour. Refreshments will be available but why not bring a picnic and extend your visit to the park.

New Play Area

Over the past few weeks, the children's play area in the park has been completely renewed with exciting new equipment for differing ages and abilities, and new safety surfaces. The new look facilities are due to open from Friday 6 August. While you're here with the family, why not give it a go?

Booking information.

To book places please contact the park.

Please provide an e-mail address, phone or mobile number, and state which activity you wish to book for, the date and session time, and how many children and adult places you want to reserve. It would also help us if you can tell us the ages of the children. Thank you.