Festival and event news

County Durham has today launched its bid to be named UK City of Culture 2025 - with the hope the accolade will provide a major boost for the whole north east region.

Young people from The Durham Federation school in Ushaw Moor will produce a major art installation at this year's Lumiere Festival in November.

Traders across County Durham and beyond are counting down to the return of next month's Seaham Food Festival.

Admiral Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Queen Victoria are just some of the well-known characters heading to County Durham as part of the Horrible Histories UK tour.

Family entertainment, street theatre and music have been added to the menu for the return of a County Durham food festival next month.

Gala Durham will be going on tour this summer with a family performance to enchant audiences across County Durham.

The full line-up of celebrity chefs who will be cooking for the crowds at a County Durham food festival has been confirmed.

Top television chefs Chris Baber and John Whaite are joining the line-up at this summer's Seaham Food Festival.

Three acclaimed authors will be talking about their latest novels in an annual reading event.

Television favourite Rosemary Shrager is looking forward to cooking for the crowds at a County Durham food festival this summer.

A historic town hall is set to host its first exhibition since its refurbishment, at which families and visitors will be able to explore the fascinating secrets of the Roman gladiators.

Free keep-fit, language tasters and the story of how a former Bishop Auckland pupil has used her language skills to advise US Presidents are all part of an exciting line-up at a regional language festival this month.

A Bosnian refugee who fled persecution will speak about the most difficult period in his life, when he shares his story of struggle and survival to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

Creative craft sessions and a spook-tastic story will be available online for families to enjoy this half term.

The unique architecture of a popular County Durham park will become the focal point of a new upcoming art project.

Two art projects that engage with the community and highlight people's experiences of isolation will be on show to the public this month.

Visitors and residents in County Durham will have the chance to discover the region's hidden historical treasures in an annual heritage event.

A host of creative activities will be held virtually this summer to celebrate the heritage of a County Durham town.