A new arts festival, Auckland Castle’s Summer Fest, is coming to Bishop Auckland and promises to bring residents and tourists visiting the area, closer to music, cinema and live performances. Organised by The Auckland Project, the festival launched last weekend, on 22 June, and takes place at Auckland Castle until 20 July.
Summer Fest is set to provide entertainment for all ages with showings of popular films and an array of music to suit all tastes, including country, pop, folk, Motown and rock ‘n’ roll.
The line up of events includes: Mania – The ABBA Tribute this Saturday, 22 June; A Country Night in Nashville on Sunday 23 June; The Unthanks on Friday 28 June; Royal Northern Sinfonia on Saturday 29 June; a Family Night on Sunday 30 June where children over five can join the Unicorn Dance Party for a colourful and sparkly show, or for Save Our Sandwich join Cordlia, Profession Queen of Carrotology for all things whacky and silly
On Friday 5 July, there’s a Motown tribute; Beyond the Barricade on Saturday 6 July brings together much-loved songs from the West End and Broadway musicals while Emilio as Elvis is on Friday 12 July. Majesty – A Tribute to Queen is on Saturday 13 July and there is a Community Concert on Sunday 14 July, Durham Miners Gala weekend, celebrating local mining heritage.
The Princess Bride is on Friday 19 July as Auckland Castle welcomes its first outdoor cinema event. That will be followed by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on Saturday 20 July, rounding off the festival.
Guests are encouraged to bring their picnics, blankets and chairs to ensure they are comfortable for performances and showings, whilst wearing outdoor-friendly clothing and layers for chillier weather. Food and drink outlets are also available at the event.
Tickets for the Family Night are £12, the outdoor cinema tickets start from £12, with the remaining concerts £25 per ticket.
To buy tickets to any of the events, visit www.aucklandproject.org/summer-fest/.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
