Baccanalia, Bishop Auckland’s events management social enterprise has announced that the brand new South West Durham Heritage Festival is now underway, running this September and October across Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland, and Aycliffe.
The festival is designed to bring communities together in celebration of the region’s rich history and culture through a varied programme of free, family-friendly events.
Opening in style on Saturday 6 September at the Spennymoor Town Show, the festival saw families and visitors digging into interactive heritage pits, meeting roaming historical characters, and sharing their own stories of local heritage.
At Spennymoor Town Hall, audiences were treated to thought-provoking talks from John Cornish, reflecting on the life and work of his father, acclaimed artist Norman Cornish MBE, and John Banham, who explored Tisa Hess and the Spennymoor Settlement.
With the festival now underway, attention turns to Bishop Auckland on Saturday 27 September, where another packed day of talks, displays, and activities awaits.
Inside Bishop Auckland Town Hall, visitors can explore engaging exhibits from local heritage groups and enjoy talks from experts, including:
Frances Wilson: The Story of Crimdon Dene.
Harry Harbottle: A Miner’s Story by Greg McCormack.
Glynn Wales: The Anglo-Saxon Church at Escomb.
Families can get creative with a collaborative coat of arms activity led by artist Wade Forster, while outside in the Market Place, the Northern Bygone Society returns with its much-loved Classic Car Show.
On Friday 3 October, the festival arrives in Newton Aycliffe, joining forces with the ever popular Aycliffe Street Food Market.
Alongside an array of food stalls, visitors can try their hand at the heritage dig-pit, while roaming historical characters explore modern delicacies like bubble tea and chorizo jam.
The Baccanalia team will also be on hand to capture community stories and memories, creating a living record of what heritage means in Aycliffe today.
Festival Producer at Baccanalia, Stephen McGrother said: “The South West Durham Heritage Festival is all about celebrating our shared past while making history engaging in fun activities for people of all ages.
“By mixing hands-on activities, storytelling, and community voices, we hope to create something truly special for the region.
“Baccanalia extends thanks to our partners, Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor and Great Aycliffe Town Councils for their support in making South West Durham Heritage Festival possible.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
