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Durham 2025

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Durham 2025

UK City of Culture bid is just the start of County Durham’s journey.

County Durham may not have been named UK City of Culture 2025, but after such a captivating campaign, the partners driving the bid remain committed to delivering a pioneering cultural programme with a lasting legacy. The Durham 2025 campaign has sparked belief across our county and our communities, bringing together extraordinary people, places and ideas. By illuminating what we have and what we are capable of together, it will create a long lasting conviction that we deserve success, that we’re ready for anything and we have the energy to try the unusual, do the unexpected and be exceptional. This is the beginning of something epic.

Durham. No ordinary county.

Our bid
Bringing together extraordinary people, places and ideas to power extraordinary growth.

Our Supporters

Our bid received widespread support from across the county and beyond. View messages from some of the passionate people who backed Durham for UK City of Culture 2025.

Video Transcript – Sting – Message of Support (PDF, 75KB)

View messages

Get Involved

Whether you live, work, study or visit our amazing county, find out how to get involved.

Get involved

No Ordinary County

Durham is no ordinary county and would be no ordinary winner either! Discover 25 reasons why Durham should be the first countywide winner of UK City of Culture.

25 reasons

Latest News UK City of Culture Bid

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Durham 2025 - Durham Cathedral
UK City of Culture bid is just the start of County Durham’s journey
County Durham may not have been named UK City of Culture 2025, but after such a captivating campaign, the partners driving the bid remain committed to delivering a pioneering cultural programme.
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council; Karen O’Brien, Vice Chancellor of Durham University and Tony Harrington, Chair of Culture Durham at the launch of the bid.
Winner of UK City of Culture 2025 to be announced next week
The wait to find out the winner of UK City of Culture 2025 is nearly over.
Bollywood Brass Band
Streets of Brass returns to Durham
The streets of Durham are set to come alive with the sounds of brass music when BRASS returns this summer.
Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon and the Chairman of Durham County Council Cllr Watts Stelling at rehearsals for A Right Royal Do with pupils at Shotton Primary School
Lord Lieutenant checks on pupils’ rehearsals ahead of Gala Platinum Jubilee culture event
The Lord Lieutenant of County Durham has given school pupils preparing to perform in special Platinum Jubilee musical events the seal of approval.
Consett Academy pupils outside of The Bowes Museum
Schoolchildren back County Durham’s City of Culture bid
Schoolchildren are encouraging people of all ages to add to their list of cultural experiences to enjoy in County Durham before 2025.
Tommy statue at Seaham
Queen’s Baton Relay to visit County Durham
The Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay will visit County Durham during its final journey through England ahead of this year's Commonwealth Games.
City of Culture judges
UK City of Culture 2025 judges arrive in County Durham
Ambitious plans to drive growth, spark creativity and celebrate the extraordinary people and places of County Durham have been showcased to the UK City of Culture 2025 judging panel today.
CGI image showing how The Story will look when complete
Name for new County Durham history centre revealed
The name for a new history centre for County Durham has been revealed.
View all news

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Exploring the Durham Dales and North Pennines AONB this National Walking Month? 

Be sure to stop by Landon Beck to see Herdship by Joanne Coates an intimate portrait of tenant farmers in Upper Teesdale. The outdoor exhibition celebrates hill farming and is on display adjacent to the Langdon Beck Hotel until 4 June. 

Find out more: https://www.northpennines.org.uk/event/exhibition-herdship 📸 by @marksmcneill/Twitter.

Exploring the Durham Dales and North Pennines AONB this National Walking Month? Be sure to stop by Landon Beck to see Herdship by Joanne Coates an intimate portrait of tenant farmers in Upper Teesdale. The outdoor exhibition celebrates hill farming and is on display adjacent to the Langdon Beck Hotel until 4 June. Find out more: https://northpennines.org.uk/event/… 📸 by @marksmcneill/Twitter. ... See MoreSee Less

10 hours ago

Its full steam ahead at Locomotion. Once complete the New Hall will display an additional 45 vehicles from the national collection, making Locomotion home to one of Europe's largest railway collections on public display. ... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
📢 Dont forget this Friday 12 May Creative Fuse North East will be heading to Durham Town Hall for Make in Durham where you can create your very own artwork for FREE with help from professional artists. Open 11am - 4.30pm.

Find out more: http://fb.me/e/18WqSIxCT #DurhamCultureCounty

📢 Don't forget this Friday 12 May Creative Fuse North East will be heading to Durham Town Hall for 'Make in Durham' where you can create your very own artwork for FREE with help from professional artists. Open 11am - 4.30pm.Find out more: #DurhamCultureCounty ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
Excellent news! One of our summer highlights 😀 #DurhamCultureCounty

Excellent news! One of our summer highlights 😀 #DurhamCultureCountySave the date! IncludFEST is returning to Hardwick Park on Saturday 29th July. Watch this space for programme announcements! ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
Great opportunity for LGBTQIA+ young people in the Barnard Castle area 👀👇 #DurhamCultureCounty

Great opportunity for LGBTQIA+ young people in the Barnard Castle area 👀👇 #DurhamCultureCountyCalling all LGBTQIA+ 11-19 year olds across South East Durham! Up for a Creative Youth Challenge?Take part in a day with Curious Arts filled with creative activities to help you find and build your Tribe!Through workshops led by LGBTQIA+ artists across the North East, we will explore the theme 'Find Your Tribe' and what that means to you. Come along, and help build a community in a supportive and creative environment.🗓️ Sat 13th May, 10am - 4pm📍 T C R The Hub, Barnard Castle, County Durham👉Taking part is free, sign up is required, food and drinks will be provided.🔗 Supported by Northern Heartlands CIO. ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
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culturecounty

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Sep 29

Open
Join us this year at Durham Book Festival  from 13-16th of October

They will be celebrating the 2022 Gordon Burn Prize, including a special musical performance from singer/ songwriter Martha Hill! 
Join us in-person or online on 13 October: https://durhambookfestival.com/programme/event/the-announcement-of-the-gordon-burn-prize/

Join us this year at Durham Book Festival from 13-16th of October

They will be celebrating the 2022 Gordon Burn Prize, including a special musical performance from singer/ songwriter Martha Hill!
Join us in-person or online on 13 October: https://durhambookfestival.com/programme/event/the-announcement-of-the-gordon-burn-prize/
...

culturecounty

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Aug 26

Open
County Durham is set for a tourism boost as the internationally broadcast AJ Bell The Tour Of Britain cycle race comes to the region next month.

Over 100 of the world's top professional cyclists will be racing in Stage Three of the tour as it journeys from the county to neighbouring Sunderland on Tuesday 6 September.

The 101-mile route will travel through County Durham and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark.

County Durham is set for a tourism boost as the internationally broadcast AJ Bell The Tour Of Britain cycle race comes to the region next month.

Over 100 of the world's top professional cyclists will be racing in Stage Three of the tour as it journeys from the county to neighbouring Sunderland on Tuesday 6 September.

The 101-mile route will travel through County Durham and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark.
...

culturecounty

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Jul 18

Open
🏃‍♂️ It was a fantastic day on Thursday as The Queen’s Baton Relay visited County Durham ahead of this year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 

You can catch up on the day👇
https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/27772/Hundreds-watch-on-as-Queen-s-Baton-Relay-visits-county

#QBR2022

🏃‍♂️ It was a fantastic day on Thursday as The Queen’s Baton Relay visited County Durham ahead of this year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

You can catch up on the day👇
https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/27772/Hundreds-watch-on-as-Queen-s-Baton-Relay-visits-county

#QBR2022
...

culturecounty

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Jul 13

Open
The Queen's Baton Relay will be taking place in County Durham tomorrow!

Across England, the Queen's Baton Relay is providing an opportunity for communities to experience the excitement building for the event.
Batonbearers aged between 12 and 75 will be carrying the Baton on Thursday 14 July, journeying through first Durham City from 3pm and then Seaham.

For more details on tomorrow's event visit
https://www.thisisdurham.com/whats-on/the-birmingham-2022-queens-baton-relay-in-durham-city-and-seaham-p1086361

The Queen's Baton Relay will be taking place in County Durham tomorrow!

Across England, the Queen's Baton Relay is providing an opportunity for communities to experience the excitement building for the event.
Batonbearers aged between 12 and 75 will be carrying the Baton on Thursday 14 July, journeying through first Durham City from 3pm and then Seaham.

For more details on tomorrow's event visit
https://www.thisisdurham.com/whats-on/the-birmingham-2022-queens-baton-relay-in-durham-city-and-seaham-p1086361
...

culturecounty

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Jul 1

Open
Plans for a new exhibition area for rail vehicles at Locomotion in Shildon are on track after councillors give it the green light.

The ‘New Hall’ exhibition space will result in the museum having the world's largest undercover collection of heritage railway vehicles.

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/20230928.locomotion/

Plans for a new exhibition area for rail vehicles at Locomotion in Shildon are on track after councillors give it the green light.

The ‘New Hall’ exhibition space will result in the museum having the world's largest undercover collection of heritage railway vehicles.

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/20230928.locomotion/
...

culturecounty

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Jun 30

Open
We are just two short weeks until the Queen’s Baton Relay arrives in County Durham ahead of the Commonwealth Games! 😀

Find out more details: http://ow.ly/81uH50JLpZf

We are just two short weeks until the Queen’s Baton Relay arrives in County Durham ahead of the Commonwealth Games! 😀

Find out more details: http://ow.ly/81uH50JLpZf
...

culturecounty

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Jun 24

Open
Birmingham 2022 has unveiled the route that the Queen’s Baton Relay will take through England this summer. ☀️ @birminghamcg22 

County Durham will welcome the Baton on Thursday 14 July. 

Find out more: https://www.birmingham2022.com/queens-baton-relay

#QBR2022

Birmingham 2022 has unveiled the route that the Queen’s Baton Relay will take through England this summer. ☀️ @birminghamcg22

County Durham will welcome the Baton on Thursday 14 July.

Find out more: https://www.birmingham2022.com/queens-baton-relay

#QBR2022
...

culturecounty

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Jun 13

Open
Today marks the start of #MuseumWeek2022! 

We have lots of fantastic museum's across County Durham, but which one is your favourite?

Today marks the start of #MuseumWeek2022!

We have lots of fantastic museum's across County Durham, but which one is your favourite?
...

culturecounty

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Jun 8

Open
Environmental artist Steve Messam, who created the Durham 2025 inflatable, has unveiled a nod to the jubilee after a huge seven metre ceremonial arch made completely of sheep fleeces appeared in Teesdale – echoing  the celebratory arches constructed across villages, towns and cities to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

Environmental artist Steve Messam, who created the Durham 2025 inflatable, has unveiled a nod to the jubilee after a huge seven metre ceremonial arch made completely of sheep fleeces appeared in Teesdale – echoing the celebratory arches constructed across villages, towns and cities to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. ...

culturecounty

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Jun 1

Open
We may not have secured the title, but we have shown that we are indeed a county of culture, and that Durham is definitely no ordinary county! This is just the start of County Durham’s journey…

The past we inherit, the future we build 👏

We may not have secured the title, but we have shown that we are indeed a county of culture, and that Durham is definitely no ordinary county! This is just the start of County Durham’s journey…

The past we inherit, the future we build 👏
...

culturecounty

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Jun 1

Open
Throughout our campaign and last night we have had lots of fantastic coverage from local media supporting our bid for #CityOfCulture2025 including from @thenorthernecho #Durham2025

Throughout our campaign and last night we have had lots of fantastic coverage from local media supporting our bid for #CityOfCulture2025 including from @thenorthernecho #Durham2025 ...

culturecounty

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May 31

Open
A final reminder folks, if it wasn't in your evening plans already... it is now 😁

⏰ Tonight (Tuesday 31 May), tune into @bbctheoneshow LIVE at 7pm to find out the winner of #CityOfCulture2025👑

Don't miss it 🤞 #Durham2025

A final reminder folks, if it wasn't in your evening plans already... it is now 😁

⏰ Tonight (Tuesday 31 May), tune into @bbctheoneshow LIVE at 7pm to find out the winner of #CityOfCulture2025👑

Don't miss it 🤞 #Durham2025
...

culturecounty

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May 31

Open
Did you see Cllr Amanda Hopgood, the leader of DCC, on Tyne Tees last night? If you missed it, don’t worry, you can watch it here: https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2022-05-13/catch-up-watch-the-itv-tyne-tees-evening-programme Both Tyne Tees and BBC Look North are also planning special episodes ahead of the announcement tonight. Tune in at 6pm and 6.30pm.

Did you see Cllr Amanda Hopgood, the leader of DCC, on Tyne Tees last night? If you missed it, don’t worry, you can watch it here: https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2022-05-13/catch-up-watch-the-itv-tyne-tees-evening-programme Both Tyne Tees and BBC Look North are also planning special episodes ahead of the announcement tonight. Tune in at 6pm and 6.30pm. ...

culturecounty

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May 31

Open
“Thousands of people have been part of the Durham 2025 journey, and should be incredibly proud of what we all have achieved so far. We have shown just what we are capable of together, and that Durham is definitely no ordinary county.”

The past we inherit, the future we build.
 
A final message from Bid Director Alison Clark ahead of the winner of UK City of Culture 2025 being announced live on The One Show, tonight at 7pm.

“Thousands of people have been part of the Durham 2025 journey, and should be incredibly proud of what we all have achieved so far. We have shown just what we are capable of together, and that Durham is definitely no ordinary county.”

The past we inherit, the future we build.

A final message from Bid Director Alison Clark ahead of the winner of UK City of Culture 2025 being announced live on The One Show, tonight at 7pm.
...

culturecounty

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May 30

Open
Just 1 day to go until the winner of the UK #CityOfCulture2025 is announced! 

We are looking back at some of the fantastic events that have taken place across County Durham #Durham2025

Just 1 day to go until the winner of the UK #CityOfCulture2025 is announced!

We are looking back at some of the fantastic events that have taken place across County Durham #Durham2025
...

culturecounty

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May 30

Open
It's #VolunteersWeek this week, which means we get to shout out about our lovely festival makers! Who help make sure the many festivals across County Durham always run smoothly. ✨

THANKYOU to them 👏 #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

It's #VolunteersWeek this week, which means we get to shout out about our lovely festival makers! Who help make sure the many festivals across County Durham always run smoothly. ✨

THANKYOU to them 👏 #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025
...

culturecounty

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May 29

Open
With 2 days to go until the announcement, we’re reminiscing with our Tree Of Hope.

Our digital tree which collected messages of hope from people around the county of what securing UK #CityOfCulture2025 would mean to them. #Durham2025

With 2 days to go until the announcement, we’re reminiscing with our Tree Of Hope.

Our digital tree which collected messages of hope from people around the county of what securing UK #CityOfCulture2025 would mean to them. #Durham2025
...

culturecounty

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May 28

Open
A few of the famous faces that have supported our bid along the way! 😀 @theofficialsting, Fiona Hill, @LostVoiceGuy, Ann Cleeves, David Olusoga & Steve Cram. 👏

3 Days to Go🤞 #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

A few of the famous faces that have supported our bid along the way! 😀 @theofficialsting, Fiona Hill, @LostVoiceGuy, Ann Cleeves, David Olusoga & Steve Cram. 👏

3 Days to Go🤞 #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025
...

culturecounty

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May 27

Open
Don’t miss @durhamFringefest this year which has a stacked line up -  including aerial acts, magic acts, stand up and much more! 😀

Now into its second year, this grassroots festival prides itself on local people and performers. 

📆 26 – 31 July
More details 👉 https://durhamfringe.co.uk/

Don’t miss @durhamFringefest this year which has a stacked line up - including aerial acts, magic acts, stand up and much more! 😀

Now into its second year, this grassroots festival prides itself on local people and performers.

📆 26 – 31 July
More details 👉 https://durhamfringe.co.uk/
...

culturecounty

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May 27

Open
With just 4 days to go until the #CityOfCulture2025 announcement, we’ll be highlighting some of the best bits of our #Durham2025 campaign...

One of our favourites was seeing the canine’s of the county showing their support! 🐶

With just 4 days to go until the #CityOfCulture2025 announcement, we’ll be highlighting some of the best bits of our #Durham2025 campaign...

One of our favourites was seeing the canine’s of the county showing their support! 🐶
...

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Bid submitted by Durham County Council on behalf of the council, Durham University and Culture Durham Partnership:

  • The Witham
  • Visit County Durham
  • Ushaw
  • Tin Arts
  • Redhills
  • Raby Castle
  • Northern Heartlands
  • Locomotion
  • The Forge
  • Event International
  • Elysium Theatre
  • East Durham Creates logo
  • Durham Music logo
  • Durham Cricket Club
  • Durham Cathedral
  • Creative North
  • Bowes Museum
  • Beamish
  • Auckland Project
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