Local Events

 Celebrate 200 years of passenger train travel with the Stockton-Darligton (SK&DR200) Experience

The S&DR200 festival will launch with All Change, a spectacular open-air event in Bishop Auckland combining dazzling projections, drones and up to 100 live performers bringing history to life, on Saturday 29 March 2025.

The nine-month S&DR200 international festival, running from March to November 2025 across County Durham and the Tees Valley, is inspired by the first journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway in the north east of England, which gave birth to the modern railway.

Marking the official start of S&DR200, All Change is an unmissable show in Bishop Auckland at the home of Kynren. The event will speed through 200 years of railway history and major historical moments, from the Industrial Revolution, two World Wars to the present, celebrating the transformative power of trains on the landscape and our lives. A fleet of 400 drones from world-renowned SKYMAGIC, promising a breathtaking visual experience set against the night sky.

Inspired by conversations with local historians, the spectacle will bring history to life with large-scale set pieces, projection mapping, original music and drones. The show will feature up to 100 performers from the local community, made up of the same team of dedicated local trained volunteers.

Travel through time and watch legends come to life

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England returns to its spectacular Bishop Auckland stage in County Durham. New for 2024 – Return of the Vikings!

Performed by a 1,000-strong cast and crew on a 7.5-acre outdoor stage, this multi-award-winning live action spectacular delights and dazzles the senses, with its mix of hand-to-hand combat, daring stunts, incredible horsemanship, stunning pyrotechnics and amazing special effects.

Rated ‘Excellent’ on TripAdvisor, Kynren provides an unforgettable experience taking audiences on a thrilling adventure through 2,000 years of history.

Find out all that's going on in Weardale; there really is so much!

Whether you’re interested in the area’s geology, want to learn to identify some of our flowers and animals or head out on a long walk there’s always something going on.

Plus there’s a host of craft sessions, nature workshops and family-friendly events at Bowlees Visitor Centre in Upper Teesdale.

The county’s packed year-round calendar of events means you’re certain to have an eventful time, whenever you choose to visit.

Durham hosts world-class shows such as Kynren at Bishop Auckland and Lumiere Durham Light Festival.

NewcastleGateshead is brimming full of amazing events including theatre, music, comedy, exhibitions, festivals and sporting events.

Plan your visit to the North East using the handy calendar, which gives you the ultimate rundown of what's on, from big events like The Great North Run to smaller events in the North East.

And you can keep up-to-date with monthly events by signing up to our newsletter, where are highlighted the best activities happening around the city.