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Durham 2025

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Durham 2025

UK City of Culture Bid

We are through to the next stage! Durham is now one of just four locations shortlisted to be UK City of Culture 2025.

Durham 2025 will put in place the foundations for a remarkable future. It will spark belief across our county and our communities. 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. Durham 2025 is the beginning of something epic.

Durham. No ordinary county.

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

Raising a giant

Our latest campaign video, featuring a very ‘County Durham’ cover of local band Prefab Sprout’s hit ‘The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, shows how Durham 2025 will raise a giant, energise the county, and how together we will create a remarkable future built on our powerful past.

Watch the video

Our Supporters

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

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

View messages

Get Involved

Back our bid for Durham to become UK City of Culture 2025. Whether you live, work, study or visit our amazing county, find out how to get involved.

Get involved

Tree of Hope

The Tree of Hope digital artwork collects hopes from people on what securing the UK City of Culture 2025 title would mean for them or the county.

View the tree

No Ordinary County – No Ordinary Winner

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 in 2025.

25 reasons

Latest News UK City of Culture Bid

    • All
    • City of Culture
    • Culture Durham Case Studies
    • Partners
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.
Durham 2025 inflatable installation on display at the Faith Museum
The Auckland Project shows its Faith in the Durham 2025 bid
The Auckland Project was delighted to welcome a special guest for a first glimpse of its eagerly anticipated Faith Museum, while backing County Durham’s ambitious bid to be named UK City of Culture 20
Crowd at Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2022
Thousands turn out for Bishop Auckland Food Festival
Bishop Auckland Food Festival returned to its original spring date this year and was a roaring success, as people travelled from County Durham and beyond to celebrate all things food.
From left, Alison Clark, head of culture, sport and tourism at Durham County Council and Durham 2025 bid director; Tony Harrington, chair of Culture Durham; Sally Dixon, assistant director of partnerships and communications at Beamish Museum; Stephen King, commercial director at Go North East; and Martijn Gilbert, managing director at Go North East.
Businesses get on board County Durham’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid
Hundreds of businesses from across the North East have backed County Durham’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025.
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Durham 2025 will raise a giant. 

We will hold our heads high, see ourselves through a wider lens, reach another level, reach the stars, and achieve giant ambitions. #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

Durham 2025 will raise a giant. We will hold our heads high, see ourselves through a wider lens, reach another level, reach the stars, and achieve giant ambitions. #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025 ... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago

Stand-up Comedian and Britain's Got Talent winner Lee Ridley is backing our bid to be UK #CityOfCulture2025!“It would mean so much for Durham to win, and that’s why I’m turning my volume up to 11!”#Durham2025 ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
#Durham2025 will raise a giant. We will hold our heads high, see ourselves through a wider lens, reach another level, reach the stars, and achieve giant ambitions. 

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport 

#CityOfCulture2025

#Durham2025 will raise a giant. We will hold our heads high, see ourselves through a wider lens, reach another level, reach the stars, and achieve giant ambitions. Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport #CityOfCulture2025 ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
These steps look incredible 😍

Dont miss Durham Pride on Saturday 28 May 🌈 #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

These steps look incredible 😍Don't miss Durham Pride on Saturday 28 May 🌈 #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025What an amazing Pride launch today at the new Walkergate Rainbow steps with leaders across Durham and Darlington coming together to show their support! Each year we rely on sponsorship and support from many places including St Aidan's College and Durham University, Durham County Council and Durham City Parish Council, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner and Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue all represented here. ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
Durham 2025 will spark belief across our county and our communities. 

By illuminating what we are capable of together, it will create a long-lasting conviction that we deserve success, that we are ready for anything and have the energy to try the unusual and do the unexpected. #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

Durham 2025 will spark belief across our county and our communities. By illuminating what we are capable of together, it will create a long-lasting conviction that we deserve success, that we are ready for anything and have the energy to try the unusual and do the unexpected. #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025 ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago
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Durham_2025 Retweeted
Account avatar for Ladan Cockshut

Ladan Cockshut

11h

So proud of @CreativeFuseNE and this recognition! @DUBusSchool @Durham_2025 @thatdrmaz https://t.co/3mJvZaNvPY

@JSapsed
@JSapsed3d

The @CreativeFuseNE team are delighted to receive the @UniofNewcastle Vice Chancellor’s Award for Engagement and Place in the grandeur of @TheCommonRoomGN. This is thanks to all team members, academics’ and partners’ ideas and work since Phase 1 to now 👏🏻

The @CreativeFuseNE team are delighted to receive the @UniofNewcastle Vice Chancellor’s Award for Engagement and Place in the grandeur of @TheCommonRoomGN. This is thanks to all team members, academics’ and partners’ ideas and work since Phase 1 to now 👏🏻 Lightbox link for post with description The @CreativeFuseNE team are delighted to receive...
2Retweet on Twitter 15286776739076587539Like on Twitter 1528677673907658753
Durham_2025 Retweeted
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TeesPix.Photos - Teesside Photos

13h

Durham was looking stunning last night!
See more at http://teespix.photos

#Durham2025 @Durham_2025 @DurhamBID #Durham #NorthEastEngland #CountyDurham #DurhamCathedral #DurhamUni @itvtynetees @TheNorthernEcho @TeessideLive

Durham was looking stunning last night!
See more at http://teespix.photos

#Durham2025 @Durham_2025 @DurhamBID #Durham #NorthEastEngland #CountyDurham #DurhamCathedral #DurhamUni @itvtynetees @TheNorthernEcho @TeessideLive

3Retweet on Twitter 152865545984188416144Like on Twitter 1528655459841884161
Account avatar for Durham 2025

Durham 2025

2d

Durham 2025 will raise a giant. We will hold our heads high, see ourselves through a wider lens, reach another level, reach the stars, and achieve giant ambitions. 

@DCMS 

#Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

Durham 2025 will raise a giant. We will hold our heads high, see ourselves through a wider lens, reach another level, reach the stars, and achieve giant ambitions.

@DCMS

#Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

2Retweet on Twitter 152793729398986342413Like on Twitter 1527937293989863424
Account avatar for Durham 2025

Durham 2025

3d

These steps look incredible 😍

Don't miss Durham Pride on Saturday 28 May 🌈 #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

@CDDFRS
@CDDFRS1w

Earlier this week, our Director of Emergency Response, Sarah Nattrass joined many of our local partners to help launch Durham Pride at the Pride steps which have been installed at Walkergate 🌈🏳️‍🌈 #LoveisLove #Pride

Earlier this week, our Director of Emergency Response, Sarah Nattrass joined many of our local partners to help launch Durham Pride at the Pride steps which have been installed at Walkergate 🌈🏳️‍🌈  #LoveisLove #Pride Lightbox link for post with description Earlier this week, our Director of Emergency...
Retweet on Twitter 15275780337664245769Like on Twitter 1527578033766424576
Account avatar for Durham 2025

Durham 2025

4d

#Durham2025 will spark belief across our county and our communities. ✨

By illuminating what we are capable of together, it will create a long-lasting conviction that we deserve success, that we are ready for anything and have the energy to try the unusual and do the unexpected!

#Durham2025 will spark belief across our county and our communities. ✨

By illuminating what we are capable of together, it will create a long-lasting conviction that we deserve success, that we are ready for anything and have the energy to try the unusual and do the unexpected!

8Retweet on Twitter 152734854946521907219Like on Twitter 1527348549465219072
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May 22

Open
Durham 2025 will raise a giant. 

We will hold our heads high, see ourselves through a wider lens, reach another level, reach the stars, and achieve giant ambitions. #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

Durham 2025 will raise a giant.

We will hold our heads high, see ourselves through a wider lens, reach another level, reach the stars, and achieve giant ambitions. #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 21

Open
Stand-up Comedian and Britain's Got Talent winner Lee Ridley is backing our bid to be UK #CityOfCulture2025!

#Durham2025

Stand-up Comedian and Britain's Got Talent winner Lee Ridley is backing our bid to be UK #CityOfCulture2025!

#Durham2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 21

Open
#Durham2025 will raise a giant. We will hold our heads high, see ourselves through a wider lens, reach another level, reach the stars, and achieve giant ambitions. 

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport 

#CityOfCulture2025

#Durham2025 will raise a giant. We will hold our heads high, see ourselves through a wider lens, reach another level, reach the stars, and achieve giant ambitions.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

#CityOfCulture2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 20

Open
Our latest campaign video, featuring a very ‘County Durham’ cover of local band Prefab Sprout’s hit ‘The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, shows how winning the UK #CityofCulture2025 title will see #Durham2025 raise a giant, energise the county and how together we will create a remarkable future built on our powerful past.

@dcmsgovuk

Our latest campaign video, featuring a very ‘County Durham’ cover of local band Prefab Sprout’s hit ‘The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, shows how winning the UK #CityofCulture2025 title will see #Durham2025 raise a giant, energise the county and how together we will create a remarkable future built on our powerful past.

@dcmsgovuk
...

durham2025_

View

May 19

Open
Durham 2025 will spark belief across our county and our communities. 

By illuminating what we are capable of together, it will create a long-lasting conviction that we deserve success, that we are ready for anything and have the energy to try the unusual and do the unexpected. #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

Durham 2025 will spark belief across our county and our communities.

By illuminating what we are capable of together, it will create a long-lasting conviction that we deserve success, that we are ready for anything and have the energy to try the unusual and do the unexpected. #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 19

Open
Did you know you can book guided tours of @durhamcastlemuseum?

As well as being the home of @universitycollegedurham @durhamuniversity,  Durham Castle houses collections, exhibitions, and hosts fun family activities.

Culture has long been the beating heart of life in Durham, and we're so lucky to have @durham_worldheritagesite in our inspiring city 💜

#durham #durhamuni #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025

Did you know you can book guided tours of @durhamcastlemuseum?

As well as being the home of @universitycollegedurham @durhamuniversity, Durham Castle houses collections, exhibitions, and hosts fun family activities.

Culture has long been the beating heart of life in Durham, and we're so lucky to have @durham_worldheritagesite in our inspiring city 💜

#durham #durhamuni #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025
...

durham2025_

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May 18

Open
We are proud to say that our bid has most definitely brought together extraordinary people, places and ideas… @dcmsgovuk #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

We are proud to say that our bid has most definitely brought together extraordinary people, places and ideas… @dcmsgovuk #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025 ...

durham2025_

View

May 18

Open
Our bid to become #CityofCulture2025 will be featured on tonight's episode of @bbctheoneshow !

Tune in to see our special feature from 7pm 😍

#Durham2025

Our bid to become #CityofCulture2025 will be featured on tonight's episode of @bbctheoneshow !

Tune in to see our special feature from 7pm 😍

#Durham2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 17

Open
Thank you to everyone supporting our bid to be the #CityofCulture2025 so far! Now’s the time to shout about what makes our County great! 

Share what you love about County Durham using #CityofCulture2025, with your photos of your favourite places, facts, faces and messages

#Durham2025

Thank you to everyone supporting our bid to be the #CityofCulture2025 so far! Now’s the time to shout about what makes our County great!

Share what you love about County Durham using #CityofCulture2025, with your photos of your favourite places, facts, faces and messages

#Durham2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 16

Open
Explore @durhamcathedral  at dusk as it opens its doors for a special evening event next Monday 23 May

https://www.englishcathedrals.co.uk/latest-news/cathedrals-at-night-launched/

📸Graeme Peacock

#Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025

Explore @durhamcathedral at dusk as it opens its doors for a special evening event next Monday 23 May

https://www.englishcathedrals.co.uk/latest-news/cathedrals-at-night-launched/

📸Graeme Peacock

#Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 16

Open
Spirits were high at Blackhall Community Centre on Friday for our latest engagement session, as the UK #CityOfCulture2025 competition enters its final stages!

#Durham2025

Spirits were high at Blackhall Community Centre on Friday for our latest engagement session, as the UK #CityOfCulture2025 competition enters its final stages!

#Durham2025
...

durham2025_

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May 13

Open
Our Durham 2025 inflatable made an appearance at some special events earlier this month. Refugees, older people with poor mental health and unemployed adults took part in a @jackdrumarts silk painting workshop to create banners for the Eid festival that took place at the venue on the same evening. A golden carriage and large scale puppet of Queen Elizabeth were also being created by the group as part of the celebrations. 
 
The inflatable also made a fitting backdrop for the Eid festival event, which was a culmination of work with young people as part of their Youth Music funded project who have learnt how to DJ. 180 Syrian, Iranian and Sudanese refugees attended the event which featured Syrian musicians resident in Newton Aycliffe. #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

Our Durham 2025 inflatable made an appearance at some special events earlier this month. Refugees, older people with poor mental health and unemployed adults took part in a @jackdrumarts silk painting workshop to create banners for the Eid festival that took place at the venue on the same evening. A golden carriage and large scale puppet of Queen Elizabeth were also being created by the group as part of the celebrations.

The inflatable also made a fitting backdrop for the Eid festival event, which was a culmination of work with young people as part of their Youth Music funded project who have learnt how to DJ. 180 Syrian, Iranian and Sudanese refugees attended the event which featured Syrian musicians resident in Newton Aycliffe. #Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 13

Open
“It’s the way the whole city and county is coming together to get behind that one vision - also reminding people about the heritage of the place. So many people in the UK live in places, but they don’t really know why.”

Read more from @thenorthernecho interview with Sir Phil Redmond, when he took time out during the UK City of Culture judge's visit to the county earlier this week. 

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3LbdO5h #CityofCulture2025

“It’s the way the whole city and county is coming together to get behind that one vision - also reminding people about the heritage of the place. So many people in the UK live in places, but they don’t really know why.”

Read more from @thenorthernecho interview with Sir Phil Redmond, when he took time out during the UK City of Culture judge's visit to the county earlier this week.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3LbdO5h #CityofCulture2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 11

Open
We were delighted to welcome Arts Minister Lord Parkinson to County Durham today last Friday as he visited @locomotionshd  in Shildon 

#Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025

We were delighted to welcome Arts Minister Lord Parkinson to County Durham today last Friday as he visited @locomotionshd in Shildon

#Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025
...

durham2025_

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May 10

Open
📽️ Don't miss @itvtynetees  tonight at 6pm! 

It features pupils from Consett Academy  who today visited @thebowesmuseum  as part of the #durham2025 campaign

#CityOfCulture2025

📽️ Don't miss @itvtynetees tonight at 6pm!

It features pupils from Consett Academy who today visited @thebowesmuseum as part of the #durham2025 campaign

#CityOfCulture2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 10

Open
📸It was a fantastic day yesterday as we welcomed the judges of the UK #CityOfCulture2025 to County Durham 

From Bishop Auckland to Dawdon and across Durham City centre 

#Durham2025

📸It was a fantastic day yesterday as we welcomed the judges of the UK #CityOfCulture2025 to County Durham

From Bishop Auckland to Dawdon and across Durham City centre

#Durham2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 10

Open
Our local media are most definitely #backingthebid

Check out this amazing front cover from the @thenorthernecho  yesterday. On the day the judges came to County Durham they also ran several features around the #Durham2025 bid

https://bit.ly/3KZ0Mba

#CityOfCulture2025

Our local media are most definitely #backingthebid

Check out this amazing front cover from the @thenorthernecho yesterday. On the day the judges came to County Durham they also ran several features around the #Durham2025 bid

https://bit.ly/3KZ0Mba

#CityOfCulture2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 9

Open
We have been delighted to welcome the judges to County Durham today😃 

Between them they have visited some fantastic locations across the County, we hope you have all had a fantastic day!

#Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025

We have been delighted to welcome the judges to County Durham today😃

Between them they have visited some fantastic locations across the County, we hope you have all had a fantastic day!

#Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025
...

durham2025_

View

May 9

Open
A huge day for Durham today as the judges are in town!😃 

Follow us on twitter and our stories today for  updates!#Durham2025 #CityOfCulture

A huge day for Durham today as the judges are in town!😃

Follow us on twitter and our stories today for updates!#Durham2025 #CityOfCulture
...

durham2025_

View

May 8

Open
📸May is National Photography Month which gives us the perfect excuse to show off some fantastic pictures from County Durham

If you have been out and about across the County why not share your favourite photos. 📸

#Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025 #NationalPhotographyMonth

📸May is National Photography Month which gives us the perfect excuse to show off some fantastic pictures from County Durham

If you have been out and about across the County why not share your favourite photos. 📸

#Durham2025 #CityOfCulture2025 #NationalPhotographyMonth
...

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

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