Bishop Auckland Town Council will host the fourth annual Heritage Festival on Saturday 26 September, from 10am to 3pm, offering a full programme of free talks, heritage displays, exhibitions and interactive activities. The event celebrates the town’s rich industrial and cultural heritage and is open to all.
Visitors can explore exhibits from local heritage groups at the Artists Hub, coordinated by the County Durham Forum for History & Heritage. The Spanish Gallery will feature expert talks including local historian Tom Hutchinson presenting “100 Pictures”, John Phelan sharing his experiences in “Four Visits to Wembley to Watch Crook Town AFC”, and Anne Allen discussing the “2027 European Year of the Normans: Stormin’ Durham Castles” project, a collaboration with Durham Cathedral, Auckland Palace and Raby Castle.
The marketplace will come alive with a display of classic vehicles provided by the Northern Bygone Society, where visitors can admire the cars and hear stories from their owners.
The entire festival programme is free to attend, providing an opportunity for the community to connect with the stories, people and memorabilia that have shaped Bishop Auckland and the wider County Durham area.
Sarah Harris, Town Clerk at Bishop Auckland Town Council, said:
“The Bishop Auckland Heritage Fayre is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the stories, people and places that have helped shape our town and our wider County Durham community. Each year, the fayre brings together local heritage organisations, historians and members of the public, creating a day where everyone can discover something new and share in our collective history. We are delighted to bring the event back for another year and look forward to welcoming the community to enjoy everything it has to offer.”
