Bishop Auckland Town Council is delighted to host the fourth annual Bishop Auckland Heritage Festival on Saturday 26 September, from 10am until 3pm, bringing together a fantastic programme of heritage, history and culture for residents, families and visitors to enjoy.
Hosted and fully funded by Bishop Auckland Town Council, the festival has become a much-anticipated highlight of the town’s cultural calendar.
The day will feature a packed programme of free talks, heritage displays, exhibitions and interactive activities, offering something for everyone to enjoy while celebrating the town’s rich heritage and history.
As part of the council’s festival programme, visitors to the Artists’ Hub will be able to explore exhibits from local heritage groups, coordinated by the County Durham Forum for History & Heritage.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Gallery will feature a series of expert talks, including:
Local historian Tom Hutchinson – 100 Pictures;
John Phelan – Four Visits to Wembley to Watch Crook Town AFC;
Anne Allen – 2027 European Year of the Normans: Stormin’ Durham Castles, a joint project with Durham Cathedral, Auckland Palace and Raby Castle.
Thanks to the Northern Bygone Society, the marketplace will be brought to life with a stunning display of classic vehicles.
Visitors can admire these beautiful cars and chat with their enthusiastic owners, who will be delighted to share stories and memories behind their much-loved vehicles.
The entire programme is free to attend providing an opportunity for the community to explore the stories, people and memorabilia that celebrate the rich industrial and cultural heritage of Bishop Auckland and County Durham.
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.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.





