Experience The Auckland Project’s summer calendar of events, where your child’s dreams of becoming a knight, creating their own film, or immersing in Forest School activities come to life.
With an array of captivating activities, Auckland Castle, gardens, and galleries will ignite imaginations and cater to history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and art admirers of every age. Get ready for a season filled with entertainment and inspiration!
Taking place across the summer from Saturday 22nd July to Sunday 3rd September, under the themes of TAP into History, TAP into Nature, and TAP into Art, The Auckland Project has created a diverse range of events that welcomes families and ensures there are opportunities for everyone to engage in immersive experiences.
For history-loving five to 11-year-olds, Knight School hones battle skills and visitors can see what life was like in Medieval Auckland, while budding artists can enjoy printmaking, flower wreath making, or mindfulness art sessions.
Meanwhile nature enthusiasts can explore the outdoors with Early Years’ and Kids’ Forest Schools. Delivered by Noo Noo’s Forest School, children will have the opportunity to engage the senses, connect with nature and learn through play whilst making new friends.
Alison Tweddle, Head of Engagement at The Auckland Project said: “We have created a summer programme of events and activities for families to have fun and make lasting memories at The Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland, a place whose history is steeped in art, faith and wonderful stories that have shaped the North East and beyond.
“Whether your little ones are interested in art, storytelling, films and creative directing, dance or even being a knight for the day, there’s something for everyone, so join us this summer and discover the rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant art that Auckland has to offer.”
The full calendar of events includes:
July:
- Knight School – hone battle skills and find out what life was like in Medieval Auckland in an interactive outdoor session, on 21st, 26th and 27th July at 11am, 1pm and 2:30pm
- Children’s Art Week – an interactive activity trail from 22nd – 23rd July
- Art in Faith: Flower Wreaths – create a traditional flower wreath with artist Tracy Thomas, on 26th July
- ROMA Dance Residence & Public Rehearsal – enjoy rehearsals from dance theatre production ROMA from 26th – 28th July
- Flamenco Taster Session – stamp, clap and spin to learn techniques of this Andalucian dance on 28th July
August:
- Early Years and Kids’ Forest School – get closer to nature with Noo Noo’s Forest School on 2nd and 17th August respectively
- Songs from the Coalface – breathe life into the songs of the Northeast Coalfields on 3rd August
- Art in Faith: Family Printmaking – artist Mani Kambo helps the class create Tote bag designs on 5th August
- Art in Faith: Block Printing with Mani Kambo – try a block printing technique on your tote bag on 5th August
- Art in Faith: Household Gods and Found Objects – create a sculpted ‘assemblage’ using objects with artist Tracy Thomas on 9th August
- Knight School – hone battle skills and find out what life was like in Medieval Auckland in an interactive outdoor session, on 10th, 11th, 13th, 16th, 18th , 19th, 24th, 26th and 27th August at 11am, 1pm and 2:30pm
- Summer Storytelling: Medieval Legends – hear local tales including Pollard and the Boar and the legendary Sockburn Wyrm from 12th – 13th August
- Art in Faith: Cyanotypes – create a cyanotype art print with artist Tracy Thomas on 16th August
- Photo Experience – capture a day with a premium photo shoot in period costume on 20th August
- Travellers’ Tales – tales of wonder, transformation and magic accompanied by music from the Little Big Blue Band on 23rd August
- Objects in Faith: Photography Workshop – learn the art of photography in this faith-inspired workshop on 24th August
- Filmmakers Go Wild! – perfect for budding environmentalists, attend a two-day filmmaking school in the Deer Park from 24th – 25th August
- Art in Faith: Decorate a Tote Bag – join Mani Kambo to paint and stitch a tote bag design on 26th August
- Art in Faith: Sashiko Patterns – take inspiration from the Japanese mending technique to design a bag on 26th August
- Art in the Park – creative activities set in the picturesque Deer Park, taking place all week from 28th August
- History Hunters on Film – dive into the rich, rowdy and (sometimes) ridiculous history of Bishop Auckland on a two-day filmmaking school from 31st August – 1st September
When tummies start to rumble, enjoy a taste of Spain in El Castillo, the tapas bar located at the heart of Bishop Auckland’s historic Market Place, or try the Bishop’s Kitchen in Auckland Castle, serving a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and cakes.
All activities are free or half-price for annual pass holders, who can also enjoy 12 months of unlimited entry to The Auckland Project’s attractions including Auckland Castle and Gardens, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery and the Faith Museum (opening autumn 2023).
Together, The Auckland Project’s attractions tell the remarkable story of Bishop Auckland, from the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham to the town’s surprising connection to the Golden Age of Spanish Art.
The Auckland Project Annual Pass costs £25 for adults, £37.50 for a family of one adult and up to four children, and £62.50 for a family of two adults and up to four children. To plan a visit or purchase an annual pass visit www.aucklandproject.org
