What’s On
Highlights
Weardale Railway
Up to two children can travel for £1 with every adult
Weardale Railway – Easter Services
Friday 29 March - Monday 1 April
Auckland Castle
FREE with Auckland Castle admission
Easter Weekend at Auckland Castle
Friday 29 March - Monday 1 April
Bishop Auckland Market Place
FREE
Bishop Auckland Food Festival
Saturday 20 April - Sunday 21 April
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Spanish Gallery
From Wednesday 21 February
Free with a Spanish Gallery ticket
New Artworks in The Spanish Gallery
New Artworks for 2024
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No.42
Every Wednesday
FREE
Creative Forum
An adult group for like-minded creatives.
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Auckland Castle
Friday 12 April, Friday 3 May, Friday 14 June
£8 admission – Pay on the door
Jazz in the Old Library
A series of one hour lunchtime recitals by the cream of North East talent, brought to you by Bishop Auckland Jazz.
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Unlimited Pass
Our Unlimited Pass is the best way to discover everything The Auckland Project has to offer.
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Spanish Gallery
Every Friday
Free with a Spanish Gallery admission ticket or Unlimited Pass.
Spanish Gallery – Exploring Art
The rich, passionate and dramatic history of Spain flows through the Spanish Gallery, and now in our weekly short talks.
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Auckland Castle
During Auckland Castle opening hours
Free with an Auckland Castle Admission ticket
Nature and the Ideal: Pioneers of the British Landscape
This exhibition explores the origins and development of the landscape tradition, offering a selection of works by some of the most influential artists of the eighteenth century.
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No.42
Every Monday, excluding bank holidays
Free
Pregnant to Preschool
Pregnant to Preschool is a weekly drop-in for parents who are pregnant or with young children (0-5)
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Auckland Castle
Every Wednesday
FREE
St Peter’s Chapel Services
All are welcome to attend the regular services in the Chapel free of charge.
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Faith Museum
Every Wednesday
Free with a Faith Museum Admission ticket or Unlimited Pass
Objects in Focus
Curators Amina Wright, John Castling, Charlotte Grobbler and Anne Sutherland highlight some of the remarkable objects on display.
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Auckland Castle
Wednesday 20 March - Sunday 24 March
Free with an Auckland Castle Admission ticket or Unlimited Pass.
‘Ghosts of England’ Live Dance Residency
A 5-day cultural research residency from contemporary dance artist Anthony Lo-Guidice and the creative team behind ROMA.
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No.42
Monthly Sessions
FREE
Young Artists’ Club
Each week young artists get together to learn new techniques, discover the works of great artists throughout history, and create their own pieces of art. Suitable for all abilities.
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Auckland Castle
Wednesday - Sunday
£19.95 per person
Afternoon Tea in Bishop’s Kitchen
Indulge in delicious finger sandwiches, homemade scones, sweet treats & cakes, and speciality teas or coffee
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Weardale Railway
Friday 29 March - Monday 1 April
Up to two children can travel for £1 with every adult
Weardale Railway – Easter Services
All aboard our services this Easter!
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Park Head Hotel
Friday 29 March
Park Head Hotel – Good Friday
Enjoy a selection of special fish dishes carefully created by the kitchen team at Park Head to celebrate Good Friday.
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Auckland Castle
Friday 29 March - Monday 1 April
FREE with Auckland Castle admission
Easter Weekend at Auckland Castle
Join us at Auckland Castle this Easter Weekend for a very special programme of activities!
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Auckland Castle
Friday 29 March - Sunday 14 April *Excluding 2, 8, and 9 April
FREE with Auckland Castle admission
Easter Egg Hunt at Auckland Castle
The Auckland Project are very excited to announce a special new Easter Egg Hunt trail at Auckland Castle this spring!
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Auckland Castle
Saturday 30 March
£29.50
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Join us for an intimate concert like no other inside the Throne Room at Auckland Castle as we welcome the world-renowned Royal Northern Sinfonia!
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Park Head Hotel
Sunday 31 March
Easter Sunday at Park Head
Easter Sunday at Park Head Hotel
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Mining Art Gallery
Every Thursday from Thursday 4 April
FREE with Mining Art Gallery Admission ticket
Mining Art Gallery: Personal Highlights
Our weekly short talks are a chance for the public to not only get a deeper understanding of the artworks and artists behind them.
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Auckland Castle
Wednesday 10 April
FREE with Auckland Castle admission or Unlimited Pass
‘If These Walls Could Talk’ Tales from the Archives of Auckland Castle
Castle Curator Charlotte Grobler delves into a selection of lesser-known stories of Auckland Castle.
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Auckland Gardens
Various Dates
FREE
Young Archaeologist’s Club
Join our Young Archaeologists’ Club and discover how some of the most amazing things in history are right beneath your feet – from Roman forts to medieval castles, golden treasures to ancient bones.
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Weardale Railway
Sunday 14 April, Sunday 14 July, Sunday 10 November
Weardale Railway Photography Train
Fancy the opportunity to photograph some unique and scenic locations on Weardale Railway?
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Auckland Tower
Wednesday 17 April
Drop in session
Buddy Up: Dive into Volunteering
Join us at The Auckland Tower for a trip into volunteering!
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Auckland Tower
Wednesday 17 April
Drop in session. No booking required.
Buddy Up: Dive into Volunteering
Join us at The Auckland Tower for a trip into volunteering! Dive into hands-on experiences alongside seasoned volunteers in our visitor attractions, who will show you the ropes.
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Mining Art Gallery
Thursday 18 April
FREE with a Mining Art Gallery Admission ticket
Spotlight: Songs from the Coalface
Listen to mining songs with Laura Roberts as she takes you on a journey through County Durham's mining heritage with her captivating performances.
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Bishop Auckland Market Place
Saturday 20 April - Sunday 21 April
FREE
Bishop Auckland Food Festival
The Bishop Auckland Food Festival returns for a weekend full of foodie celebrations. From celebrity chefs and delicious desserts to artisan produce and locally-brewed beverages, this festival has everything!
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No.42
Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 April
FREE
Food Festival Craft Market
There is more than just food at Bishop Auckland Food Festival!
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Auckland Castle
Thursday 25 April
£10
Ushaw Chapel Choir in St. Peter’s Chapel
Join us for a Spring Concert with Ushaw Chapel Choir. Featuring the Ralph Vaughan Williams Mass in G Minor, Miserere mei, Deus by Allegri and new music by Director of Music, Alex Chisholm-Loxley. Accompanist: Allan Coombes.
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Spanish Gallery
Friday 26 April, Friday 31 May, Friday 28 June & Friday 26 July
£18
Sketches and Stories: Drawing Inspiration from Spanish Artistry
Immerse yourself in the Spanish artistry of the Golden age with our ‘Sketching Tours of the Spanish Art Gallery' series.
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Weardale Railway
Saturday 27 April, Saturday 13 July, Saturday 19 October
£60
Gin and Cheese Train
Trains, Gin and Cheese! What's not to love?
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Mining Art Gallery
Opens Friday 3 May
FREE with Mining Art Gallery Admission ticket
The Last Cage down
Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike of 1984-85, this exhibition brings together works of art that portray the declining years of the coal mining industry
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Faith Museum
Tuesday 7 May
£15
Mat Collishaw: exploring the Sacred, with Elizabeth Oldfield
Artist Mat Collishaw talks to Elizabeth Oldfield, presenter of The Sacred podcast about the inspiration behind his work for the Faith Museum, Eidolon.
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Faith Museum
Wednesday 15 May - Sunday 11 August
Free with a Faith Museum Admission ticket
Limited Time Only: The Siddur comes to the Faith Museum
A rare opportunity to see a remarkable medieval manuscript. Dating back to the late 1100s and belonging to an Arabic-speaking Jewish man living in England, this prayer book offers a glimpse into the faith of Jewish communities living in England during a time of upheaval and division.
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Auckland Castle
Wednesday 15 May
Free with an Auckland Castle Admission Ticket
Spotlight: Unveiling the Siddur
To highlight our short-term loan of the Siddur at the Faith Museum, come along and engage in discussions about this extraordinary medieval manuscript with our learning officer.
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Auckland Castle
Friday 17 May
£10
The Walled Garden at Auckland Castle: In conversation with Jane Ruffer and Andy Nesbitt Head Curator of Parks
The Walled Garden at Auckland Castle: In conversation with Jane Ruffer and Andy Nesbitt Head Curator of Parks, Gardens and Landscapes.
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Auckland Gardens
Every Saturday
Free with an Auckland Castle and Gardens ticket
Auckland Castle Gardens: Walk & Talk
Over the last decade a remarkable transformation of the gardens of Auckland Castle has taken place.
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Auckland Gardens
Saturday 25 May
Free with Auckland Castle admission
Opening Celebration: Upper Walled Garden and Faith Garden
Join us in a day of celebration; the Walled Garden and Faith Gardens are formally open!
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Auckland Tower
Monday 27 May, Wednesday 29 May, Thursday 30 May , Friday 31 May, Saturday 1 June
FREE
Pittman’s Pallete – Open Art Space
Step into the fascinating world of mining art at our free drop-in event in Auckland Tower.
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Auckland Castle
Thursday 30 May
Free with Auckland Castle admission
Once Upon a Sketch: Family Drawing Adventure in Auckland Castle
Explore your creativity at Once Upon a Sketch: Family Drawing Adventure in Auckland Castle.
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No.42
Multiple Dates
Free, no booking required
Monthly Maker’s Market
At Bishop Auckland's monthly street food markets, step inside No 42 for the best in local artisan craft. Take home unique pieces handcrafted with love and local talent.
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Auckland Gardens
Monday 3 June – Saturday 22 June
Free
Summer Archaeology
Come and see live excavations as Durham University archaeologists search for the lost house of the man who blew up Auckland Castle's medieval chapel
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Auckland Castle
Wednesday 5 June
£10
A Pocketful of Prayer- Judith Olszowy-Schlanger
Professor Judith Olszowy-Schlanger, Fellow in Hebrew and Jewish Studies at the University of Oxford, tells the story of a remarkable medieval Jewish siddur.
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Auckland Castle
Friday 7 June, Friday 5 July
Little Acorns
Engage your preschooler in a world of outdoor creativity with our ‘Little Acorn’ sessions designed for 3-4-year-olds.
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Auckland Tower
Saturday 8 June
Big Help Out Buddy Up: Dive into Volunteering
Help out and join us for a trip into volunteering!
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Spanish Gallery
Tuesday 11 June
£10
Bob Olley in Conversation with Mining Art Gallery Founders
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation between esteemed mining artist Bob Olley and the visionary founders of the Gemini Collection of Mining Art, Dr. Robert McManners OBE and Gillian Wales.
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Park Head Hotel
Sunday 16 June
Father’s Day at Park Head
Make Dad’s day by celebrating the main man with a traditional hearty roast
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Auckland Castle
Sunday 16 June
£110
Falconry Experience “Hawk this Way”
This Father's Day, treat the family to something truly special: a 40 minute encounter for up to 5 people with birds of prey in a beautiful setting.
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Spanish Gallery
Thursday 20 June
Free with Spanish Gallery admission
The Ornament of the City’ – Francisco de Zurbarán, Richard Jacques
Who really was the astonishing artist behind Auckland Castle's own "Jacob and his twelve sons?"
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Spanish Gallery
Friday 21 June
Free with Spanish Gallery admission
Spotlight: Spanish Guitar
As you walk through the dramatic spaces of the Spanish Gallery, enjoy live music performed on the Spanish Guitar.
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Auckland Castle
Friday 21 June
£28
Flower Wreath Making
Join us for our Adult Creative Session: Flower Wreath Making, using blooms fresh from Auckland Castle’s Walled Garden.
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Auckland Gardens
Saturday 22 June
£25
Summer Fest: Mania – The ABBA Tribute
From London’s West End to Las Vegas, Mania is the world’s number one touring ABBA tribute, with their authentic and unforgettable recreation of the legendary Swedish band’s last ever concert.
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Auckland Gardens
Sunday 23 June
£25
Summer Fest: A Country Night in Nashville
Direct from The Royal Albert Hall, A Country Night In Nashville recreates the scene of a buzzing honky tonk in downtown Nashville, perfectly capturing the energy and atmosphere of an evening in the home of country music.
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Auckland Gardens
Friday 28 June
£25
Summer Fest: The Unthanks
An evening with The Unthanks, the multi-award-winning folk group celebrated for their authentic blend of traditional melodies and modern sensibilities, creating a sound that is both timeless and innovative.
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Auckland Gardens
Saturday 29 June
£25
Summer Fest: Royal Northern Sinfonia
See the saxophone in a whole new light in the talented hands of Jess Gillam, alongside the string players of Royal Northern Sinfonia
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Auckland Gardens
Sunday 30 June
£25
Summer Fest: Family Night
On this night, we welcome a special Family Night celebration featuring 2 stellar acts, Unicorn Dance Party and Mad Alice Theatre Company!
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Auckland Gardens
Friday 5 July
£25
Summer Fest: A Night To Remember – Motown
The Auckland Project are excited to welcome A Night to Remember – Motown Show to perform at our new Summer Fest event on Friday 5th July!
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Auckland Gardens
Saturday 6 July
£25
Summer Fest – Beyond The Barricade
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Beyond the Barricade is the UK’s leading musical theatre concert, starring past principals from Les Misérables.
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Auckland Gardens
Friday 12 July
£25
Summer Fest: Emilio as Elvis
You won’t believe your eyes and ears when internationally acclaimed 21-year-old Emilio Santoro steps into the ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll!
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Auckland Gardens
Saturday 13 July
£25
Summer Fest: Majesty – A Tribute to Queen
The UK's premiere touring Queen tribute band, Majesty have been entertaining audiences across the world for the past ten years and are acclaimed for their electrifying recreation of Queen's iconic live performances.
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Auckland Gardens
Sunday 14 June
FREE
Summer Fest: Community Concert
On this night, we look forward to welcoming you to our free community concert night featuring the Bearpark & Esh Colliery Mining Brass Band.
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Auckland Castle
Wednesday 17 July
FREE
Alla Prima Painting in the Gardens
Join us for our July Spotlight Event, ‘Alla Prima Painting in the Gardens’, overlooking the picturesque North Terrace.
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Auckland Gardens
Friday 19 July
Tickets from £12
Outdoor Cinema: Princess Bride
Join us on the Bowling Green lawn beside the castle for this beloved classic, featuring a farm boy-turned pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love. As you wish!
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Auckland Gardens
Saturday 20 July
Tickets from £12
Outdoor Cinema: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!
Join us on the Bowling Green lawn beside the castle for this fun and whacky Roald Dahl classic, featuring a poor but hopeful boy who seeks one of the five coveted golden tickets that will send him on a tour of Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory!