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Durham.
No Ordinary County.

Durham is one of eight areas longlisted to be UK City of Culture 2025

Find out more about Our Vision.

Durham 2025 UK City of Culture Bid logo

Transcript - City of Culture PDF [82 KB]

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Dont Gourd Breakin My Heart 🎃 use your pumpkin leftovers to create delicious meals and snacks! #Durham2025 As part of the Peoples Food project, a key initiative in our bid for UK City of Culture 2025, were working with Re-f-use Durham to raise awareness of the climate and ecological impact of food waste and create an environment where good food, good company and opportunities to learn new skills are available to those who want them. The details of the People’s Food Project are still being drawn up, but it is anticipated that one element will be a series of events combining cooking, eating, and storytelling. These will take place across the county, as well as in REfUSE’s recently renovated warehouse, which transforms into an event space on an evening. Make a start today! Reuse your pumpkins to create muffins, soup, cakes, scones, pancakes and much more 👉 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/leftover-pumpkin-recipes

Don't Gourd Breakin' My Heart 🎃 use your pumpkin leftovers to create delicious meals and snacks! #Durham2025As part of the People's Food project, a key initiative in our bid for UK City of Culture 2025, we're working with Re-f-use Durham to raise awareness of the climate and ecological impact of food waste and create an environment where good food, good company and opportunities to learn new skills are available to those who want them.The details of the People’s Food Project are still being drawn up, but it is anticipated that one element will be a series of events combining cooking, eating, and storytelling. These will take place across the county, as well as in REfUSE’s recently renovated warehouse, which transforms into an event space on an evening.Make a start today! Reuse your pumpkins to create muffins, soup, cakes, scones, pancakes and much more 👉 https://bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/… ... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago
Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween! 🎃From pumpkin carving to BOOtiful baking, scary movies to wicked quizzes, how are you celebrating the spooky season? Have you been to any fun Halloween events across County Durham this week?#Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 ... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago
Swashbuckling sword fights, hidden treasure, and an adventure on the high seas is sailing into Empire Consett from next month, when curtains open on the Christmas panto Treasure Island! 🎭 In an adventure involving a band of grizzly pirates and an ancient map which points the way to hidden treasure, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this exciting production. 🏴‍☠️ This year’s show has been produced and directed by Leah Bell, who is celebrating her tenth year working with the Empire on its Christmas panto. Find out more: ow.ly/JgwS50GAZM3 #Durham2025

Swashbuckling sword fights, hidden treasure, and an adventure on the high seas is sailing into Empire Consett from next month, when curtains open on the Christmas panto Treasure Island! 🎭In an adventure involving a band of grizzly pirates and an ancient map which points the way to hidden treasure, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this exciting production. 🏴‍☠️This year’s show has been produced and directed by Leah Bell, who is celebrating her tenth year working with the Empire on its Christmas panto.Find out more: ow.ly/JgwS50GAZM3 #Durham2025 ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago
#LumiereDurham Ticket update from Artichoke 👇🎟️ #Durham2025

#LumiereDurham Ticket update from Artichoke 👇🎟️ #Durham2025#LumiereDurham 2021 is only a few weeks away! 🗓If you haven't booked your tickets, there are still timeslots available after 9pm on Thurs and Sun and after 10pm on Fri and Sat 🎟Don't forget: You only need a ticket to visit 9 of the 37 artworks ✨Book now: 📸 In Our Hearts Blind Hope, Palma Studio. Rendering courtesy of the artist ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago
What makes Durham no ordinary county? #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 From the friendliness and resilience of our communities to the spectacular scenery and wildlife, you can experience extraordinary moments in every corner of the county. What makes Durham special to you? www.durham2025.co.uk

What makes Durham no ordinary county? #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 From the friendliness and resilience of our communities to the spectacular scenery and wildlife, you can experience extraordinary moments in every corner of the county. What makes Durham special to you? ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago
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Durham_2025 Retweeted
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Life InDurham by Durham BID

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Did you hear us on @BBCTees this morning? Liza Johnson was chatting to @GaryAPhilipson, discussing how #Durham has and continues to adapt to the Covid situation and the great things going on in the city at the moment including Lumiere & this weekends Christmas festival!

Did you hear us on @BBCTees this morning?

Liza Johnson was chatting to @GaryAPhilipson, discussing how #Durham has and continues to adapt to the Covid situation and the great things going on in the city at the moment including Lumiere & this weekends Christmas festival!

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Durham_2025 Retweeted
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REfUSE

4h

We're excited about our Christmas Fair this Saturday! Santa is coming to town, there will be live music and games for all the family, and we've got loads of amazing stalls selling homemade gifts! 11 until 2 at REfUSE Cafe this Saturday 4th!

We're excited about our Christmas Fair this Saturday! Santa is coming to town, there will be live music and games for all the family, and we've got loads of amazing stalls selling homemade gifts! 11 until 2 at REfUSE Cafe this Saturday 4th!

11Retweet on Twitter 146557943520635699522Like on Twitter 1465579435206356995
Account avatar for Durham 2025

Durham 2025

19h

Which do you prefer, exploring on two wheels or crunching through the leaves in your wellies? Check out https://www.thisisdurham.com/lovedbylocals for outdoor adventure ideas and find out how to spot some of Durham’s most beautiful woodlands, gardens, beaches and more.

Which do you prefer, exploring on two wheels or crunching through the leaves in your wellies?

Check out https://www.thisisdurham.com/lovedbylocals for outdoor adventure ideas and find out how to spot some of Durham’s most beautiful woodlands, gardens, beaches and more.

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Durham_2025 Retweeted
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This is Durham

20h

Pantomime season's in full swing in Durham! Oh, yes it is! 😀 And across the county you'll find many amazing shows the whole family can enjoy this festive season ➡️ https://t.co/jm3nehVg02 #lovedurham #Christmas2021 #panto

Pantomime season's in full swing in Durham! Oh, yes it is! 😀 And across the county you'll find many amazing shows the whole family can enjoy this festive season ➡️ https://t.co/jm3nehVg02

#lovedurham #Christmas2021 #panto

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Durham_2025 Retweeted
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Durham Cathedral

1d

Dust off your decorations - #Advent starts this weekend! This is a season where we welcome thousands of people to hear the Christmas story at festive events & services like this one. Enjoy a #CathedralChristmas➡️https://t.co/sSmZrIaK67 #AtTheHeartOfChristmas @engcathedrals

Dust off your decorations - #Advent starts this weekend! This is a season where we welcome thousands of people to hear the Christmas story at festive events & services like this one.
Enjoy a #CathedralChristmas➡️https://t.co/sSmZrIaK67
#AtTheHeartOfChristmas @engcathedrals

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durham2025_

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Nov 26

Open
What do you think Durham’s best kept secret is? 😍 No one knows our county better than the people who live here. That’s why @thisisdurham asked residents to share with them what they love about our amazing county. If you’re planning on getting out and about this weekend, take a look at some of the suggestions Loved by Locals, to uncover some of Durham’s hidden gems. https://www.thisisdurham.com/lovedbylocals #LovebyLocals #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 #countydurham #visitcountydurham

What do you think Durham’s best kept secret is? 😍

No one knows our county better than the people who live here. That’s why @thisisdurham asked residents to share with them what they love about our amazing county.

If you’re planning on getting out and about this weekend, take a look at some of the suggestions Loved by Locals, to uncover some of Durham’s hidden gems.
https://www.thisisdurham.com/lovedbylocals

#LovebyLocals #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 #countydurham #visitcountydurham ...

durham2025_

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Nov 26

Open
📢 Calling County Durham creatives! Applications for the @culturebridgenortheast (CBNE) fund are now open. The CBNE fund provides grants of up to £1,500 to support collaborations between education and youth settings, arts practitioners and cultural organisations anywhere in the North East. Priority is given to projects which improve access to high quality arts provision for those who would otherwise face barriers to taking part. This inclusive approach is key to our UK #CityofCulture2025 bid, creating more opportunities for people to experience the many benefits of engaging in arts and culture. #Durham2025 📷 Culture Bridge North East Full details: https://culturebridgenortheast.org.uk/cbne-fund #culture #art #education #inclusivearts #accessiblearts

📢 Calling County Durham creatives!

Applications for the @culturebridgenortheast (CBNE) fund are now open.

The CBNE fund provides grants of up to £1,500 to support collaborations between education and youth settings, arts practitioners and cultural organisations anywhere in the North East. Priority is given to projects which improve access to high quality arts provision for those who would otherwise face barriers to taking part.

This inclusive approach is key to our UK #CityofCulture2025 bid, creating more opportunities for people to experience the many benefits of engaging in arts and culture. #Durham2025

📷 Culture Bridge North East

Full details: https://culturebridgenortheast.org.uk/cbne-fund

#culture #art #education #inclusivearts #accessiblearts ...

durham2025_

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Nov 25

Open
Is your house already fully decked-out are you waiting for December to put your tree up? 🎄 When’s the right date to put up your Christmas lights? In Durham City, we think Sunday 28 November is the perfect day! 🎉 Join @durhambid in Durham Market Place from 5.30pm for the big Christmas Lights Switch On. There’ll be swinging live music from Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists The Soldiers of Swing, so be sure to bring your dancing shoes! And Cbeebies favourites Andy Day and Alex Winters will be there too, with festive fun for all the family. #christmas #christmastlightswitchon #durhamchristmaslights #countydurham #durhamcity #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025

Is your house already fully decked-out are you waiting for December to put your tree up? 🎄

When’s the right date to put up your Christmas lights? In Durham City, we think Sunday 28 November is the perfect day! 🎉

Join @durhambid in Durham Market Place from 5.30pm for the big Christmas Lights Switch On.

There’ll be swinging live music from Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists The Soldiers of Swing, so be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

And Cbeebies favourites Andy Day and Alex Winters will be there too, with festive fun for all the family.

#christmas #christmastlightswitchon #durhamchristmaslights #countydurham #durhamcity #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 ...

durham2025_

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Nov 23

Open
Were you one of thousands who enjoyed the magic of #LumiereDurham this weekend? ✨ Produced by creative company @artichoketrust and commissioned by @durham_county_council with additional support from @aceagrams and @durhamuniversity, this was the most ambitious Lumiere yet. For the first time since it began in 2009, the festival linked the city and wider county through six bold commissions that transformed significant landmarks across County Durham - from the Apollo Pavilion at Peterlee, to @rabycastleofficial at Staindrop. This reflects our bid to be UK City of Culture 2025, which we want to secure for the entire county! #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 Find out more on our news page: https://durham2025.co.uk/news_post/tens-of-thousands-attend-lumiere-2021/ #fesitval #lightfestival #culture #countydurham #art #artwork #creative

Were you one of thousands who enjoyed the magic of #LumiereDurham this weekend? ✨
Produced by creative company @artichoketrust and commissioned by @durham_county_council with additional support from @aceagrams and @durhamuniversity, this was the most ambitious Lumiere yet.

For the first time since it began in 2009, the festival linked the city and wider county through six bold commissions that transformed significant landmarks across County Durham - from the Apollo Pavilion at Peterlee, to @rabycastleofficial at Staindrop.

This reflects our bid to be UK City of Culture 2025, which we want to secure for the entire county! #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025

Find out more on our news page: https://durham2025.co.uk/news_post/tens-of-thousands-attend-lumiere-2021/

#fesitval #lightfestival #culture #countydurham #art #artwork #creative ...

durham2025_

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Nov 20

Open
Visiting #Lumiere Durham this weekend? Check out Invisible Hearts by County Durham's very own Steph Whalen. This is a stunning artwork with an important message. Each of the glowing green hearts symbolises the one person in every six with a hidden disability. Invisible Hearts is one of 37 inspirational light installations at #LumiereDurham and one of six BRILLIANT winners - a competition that gives people an opportunity to see their creative visions realised at the festival. Lumiere runs until Sunday 21 November - don't miss out on the magic! #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 #lightfestival @artichoketrust Photo by @matthewbandrews

Visiting #Lumiere Durham this weekend? Check out Invisible Hearts by County Durham's very own Steph Whalen. This is a stunning artwork with an important message. Each of the glowing green hearts symbolises the one person in every six with a hidden disability.

Invisible Hearts is one of 37 inspirational light installations at #LumiereDurham and one of six BRILLIANT winners - a competition that gives people an opportunity to see their creative visions realised at the festival.

Lumiere runs until Sunday 21 November - don't miss out on the magic! #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 #lightfestival @artichoketrust
Photo by @matthewbandrews ...

durham2025_

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Nov 19

Open
We've waited a long time to hug people. Rediscover exchanging greetings, hugging and shaking hands at Clayport Library as part of #LumiereDurham #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025

We've waited a long time to hug people. Rediscover exchanging greetings, hugging and shaking hands at Clayport Library as part of #LumiereDurham
#Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 ...

durham2025_

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Nov 19

Open
More than 12,000 people from across County Durham have helped to make Lumiere happen since the UKs leading light festival began in 2009. ✨ This year alone, Lumiere is working with community groups including school children, mental health service users, veterans an young carers through creative projects. This includes 685 individuals, 25 schools and six BRILLIANT artists. This community focused approach is also at the heart of our bid to be UK City of Culture 2025, which aims to build on the success of events like Lumiere to create even more opportunities for people to engage in the arts. To find out more, visit our news page: https://durham2025.co.uk/news_post/lumiere-learning-and-participation/ #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 #LumiereDurham #CountyDurham

More than 12,000 people from across County Durham have helped to make Lumiere happen since the UKs leading light festival began in 2009. ✨

This year alone, Lumiere is working with community groups including school children, mental health service users, veterans an young carers through creative projects. This includes 685 individuals, 25 schools and six BRILLIANT artists.

This community focused approach is also at the heart of our bid to be UK City of Culture 2025, which aims to build on the success of events like Lumiere to create even more opportunities for people to engage in the arts.

To find out more, visit our news page: https://durham2025.co.uk/news_post/lumiere-learning-and-participation/
#Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 #LumiereDurham #CountyDurham ...

durham2025_

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Nov 17

Open
1 DAY TO GO! #LumiereDurham✨ The wait is almost over! The UK's largest light festival is back tomorrow - who's coming to the festival for opening night? Lumiere is a HUGE event in Durham's culture calendar, lighting up the city and county for four incredible nights for residents and visitors to enjoy! 🤩 Find out everything you need to know - from getting there to programme info - at https://www.durham.gov.uk/lumiere #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 #Lumiere #lightfestival #culture #countydurham

1 DAY TO GO! #LumiereDurham✨
The wait is almost over! The UK's largest light festival is back tomorrow - who's coming to the festival for opening night?

Lumiere is a HUGE event in Durham's culture calendar, lighting up the city and county for four incredible nights for residents and visitors to enjoy! 🤩

Find out everything you need to know - from getting there to programme info - at https://www.durham.gov.uk/lumiere #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 #Lumiere #lightfestival #culture #countydurham ...

durham2025_

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Nov 16

Open
Today marks 20 years since Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone first hit our screens! 🧙🎞️ To celebrate, @thisisdurham has created 'A muggle's guide to North East Harry Potter filming locations', which of course includes @durhamcathedral! Wands at the ready! ✨ Time to unlock some movie magic - Alohomora! 👉 https://www.thisisdurham.com/blog/read/2021/11/a-muggles-guide-to-north-east-harry-potter-filming-locations-b365 #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 #harrypotter20thanniversary #HarryPotter #durhamcathedral

Today marks 20 years since Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone first hit our screens! 🧙🎞️ To celebrate, @thisisdurham has created 'A muggle's guide to North East Harry Potter filming locations', which of course includes @durhamcathedral!

Wands at the ready! ✨ Time to unlock some movie magic - Alohomora!
👉 https://www.thisisdurham.com/blog/read/2021/11/a-muggles-guide-to-north-east-harry-potter-filming-locations-b365

#Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 #harrypotter20thanniversary #HarryPotter #durhamcathedral ...

durham2025_

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Nov 14

Open
@artichoketrust have lined up some BRILLIANT artists for this year's #LumiereDurham! ✨ Six artists from across the UK will have their artwork on display in various locations across the county after being successful in this year's BRILLIANT competition. Winning ideas include a set of giant gardening tools and an artwork inspired by County Durham’s changing geography. Four of the chosen winners are from the North East, with an additional two applicants selected from outside of the region. BRILLIANT received a record 272 applications, an increase of over 250% since 2019, with a fifth of applicants identifying as d/Deaf or Disabled, Black or a Person of Colour, supporting Artichoke's mission to broaden the diversity of those working in the medium of light art. BRILLIANT also reflects our bid for UK City of Culture, putting local people at the heart of culture and creating an environment that champions inclusivity and diversity. #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025 Find out more: https://www.lumiere-festival.com/brilliant-ideas-chosen-for-lumiere-2021/ #BRILLIANTcompetition #Lumiere #lightfestival #culture #artists #artwork

@artichoketrust have lined up some BRILLIANT artists for this year's #LumiereDurham! ✨

Six artists from across the UK will have their artwork on display in various locations across the county after being successful in this year's BRILLIANT competition. Winning ideas include a set of giant gardening tools and an artwork inspired by County Durham’s changing geography.

Four of the chosen winners are from the North East, with an additional two applicants selected from outside of the region. BRILLIANT received a record 272 applications, an increase of over 250% since 2019, with a fifth of applicants identifying as d/Deaf or Disabled, Black or a Person of Colour, supporting Artichoke's mission to broaden the diversity of those working in the medium of light art.

BRILLIANT also reflects our bid for UK City of Culture, putting local people at the heart of culture and creating an environment that champions inclusivity and diversity. #Durham2025 #CityofCulture2025

Find out more: https://www.lumiere-festival.com/brilliant-ideas-chosen-for-lumiere-2021/

#BRILLIANTcompetition #Lumiere #lightfestival #culture #artists #artwork ...

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