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All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Bishop Auckland College and The Auckland Project sign landmark partnership to boost skills, jobs and culture
15 Oct 2025
Bishop Auckland College and The Auckland Project (TAP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a strategic partnership that will strengthen skills development, create new employment opportunities, and enhance the town’s cultural and visitor economy. The collaboration will see...
Read More about Bishop Auckland College and The Auckland Project sign landmark partnership to boost skills, jobs and cultureRaby Castle to open for new Christmas experience for the first time in 50 years
13 Oct 2025
Raby Castle will be opening its doors during the festive period for the first time in five decades to show the castle decorated for Christmas, designed by custodian and creative director, Lady Barnard. This will be a chance for visitors to experience how the Vane family enjoyed Christmas at the...
Read More about Raby Castle to open for new Christmas experience for the first time in 50 yearsBank of England Governor at Beamish Museum for business leaders’ event
9 Oct 2025
The Governor of the Bank of England visited Beamish, The Living Museum of the North today (Wednesday, 8th October 2025) for an event attended by the region’s business leaders. During his visit to the County Durham museum, Andrew Bailey delivered a presentation on the outlook for the UK economy to...
Read More about Bank of England Governor at Beamish Museum for business leaders’ eventDurham Wine Week
8 Oct 2025
If your visitors are looking for something different, look no further than Durham Wine Week taking place 10th-19th October. Durham Wine Week offers a unique opportunity for your guests to discover and explore the vibrant wine scene in Durham City at a discounted price. There are numerous venues...
Read More about Durham Wine WeekDurham food and drink producers given the chance to showcase their goods in Westminster
7 Oct 2025
Food and drink producers from across the county are being offered a unique opportunity to take centre stage in Westminster in January, thanks to an exciting new initiative from North East rail operator Lumo. In celebration of British Food Fortnight, Lumo is partnering with Food & Drink North...
Read More about Durham food and drink producers given the chance to showcase their goods in WestminsterJane Ruffer appointed CEO of The Auckland Project
3 Oct 2025
The Auckland Project has appointed Jane Ruffer as CEO, marking a new chapter for the charity she co-founded with Jonathan Ruffer more than a decade ago. With a background as a doctor, school governor and trustee at several charities, Jane brings decades of leadership experience and a deep...
Read More about Jane Ruffer appointed CEO of The Auckland ProjectNorth East Screen celebrates 3 years of big impacts and bigger ambitions
29 Sep 2025
North East Screen is proud to unveil its 3 Years of Big Impacts Report (2022–2025), showcasing a remarkable period of growth in a difficult global climate. North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) investments across the North East is creating opportunities for the resilient world...
Read More about North East Screen celebrates 3 years of big impacts and bigger ambitionsThe Duke of Edinburgh visits County Durham and Tees Valley as part of S&DR200 anniversary celebrations
29 Sep 2025
Today [26 September] S&DR200 was delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh who attended celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the first journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR), one that had a profound impact on the world today. The S&DR gave...
Read More about The Duke of Edinburgh visits County Durham and Tees Valley as part of S&DR200 anniversary celebrationsCommemorative plaques unveiled on S&DR200 legacy route
29 Sep 2025
Two plaques commemorating the ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson, and the starting point of the world’s first passenger journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway have been unveiled. The Engineering Heritage Award plaque and World Origin Site plaque have both been installed at a...
Read More about Commemorative plaques unveiled on S&DR200 legacy routeNew community allotments bloom at Beamish, thanks to Banks funding
26 Sep 2025
Community allotments for health and wellbeing and education programmes have been opened at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, supported by funding from the Banks Group. The 12 allotment plots, in the award-winning museum’s 1950s Town, will give people the chance to get involved in...
Read More about New community allotments bloom at Beamish, thanks to Banks fundingWorld Tourism Day 2025
26 Sep 2025
This World Tourism Day, (27 September) the spotlight is on Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, highlighting tourism’s critical role not just as an economic driver, but as a catalyst for social progress, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. Tourism today faces a pivotal...
Read More about World Tourism Day 2025The Entertainer to open its first outlet store at Dalton Park
25 Sep 2025
Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has revealed that it is set to open its first outlet store next week, at Dalton Park in County Durham. The 2000 sq. ft space is set to open at 9:30am on Saturday 4th October and will stock a selection of the retailers’ best-loved brands at...
Read More about The Entertainer to open its first outlet store at Dalton ParkThe Bowes Museum invests in cultural tourism with new ‘In Concert’ series
24 Sep 2025
The Bowes Museum’s newly founded music programme aims to boost the evening economy and bring world-class performers to County Durham. The museum has launched a new programme of evening concerts to diversify its cultural offer and attract new audiences to County Durham. ‘In Concert at The Bowes...
Read More about The Bowes Museum invests in cultural tourism with new ‘In Concert’ seriesLumiere, the UK's light art biennial, returns with spectacular 2025 line-up
24 Sep 2025
● The UK’s landmark light art biennial transforms Durham once again, Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 November 2025.● Announced today, a remarkable programme of light artworks from international and UK artists, with major new commissions, premieres, and community collaborations.● Over 15 years,...
Read More about Lumiere, the UK's light art biennial, returns with spectacular 2025 line-up
Industry
Lumiere Ticket News
17 Sep 2025
Information you can provide your guests enquiring about Lumiere 2025 tickets - it has been announced visitors can now register to book tickets for the festival taking place between 13th and 15th November. By registering in advance, visitors will get a smoother booking experience when tickets go on...
Read More about Lumiere Ticket News