Eight events not to miss at The Auckland Project

Get ready for a season of celebration, music, history, and hands-on family fun at The Auckland Project! From stepping back in time with VE celebrations to basking in the sunshine while enjoying the festival vibes at Proms at the Palace, or Barricade Boys straight from London’s West End - there’s something for all the family to enjoy. 

Whether you’re planning a memorable Father’s Day, looking to meet birds of prey up close, or want to explore railway history through fascinating art from across the North spanning two centuries – we have something for everyone. Mark your calendars and make it a summer to remember!

VE Day Celebrations

When? Saturday 31 May, 11am - 3pm

Where? Auckland Palace and grounds

Step back in time at The Auckland Project’s VE Celebration. Families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled, nostalgic day out as The Auckland Project marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Saturday 31 May.

From 11am, the celebrations begin with a rousing performance from the Bishop Auckland Pipe and Drum Band, marching through the palace grounds to the sound of wartime tunes. Live music continues throughout the day with performances by 1940s trio The Lipsticks and the Ferryhill Brass Band.

Little ones can get crafty with free activities like flag-making and medal-decorating, while history lovers can meet reenactors, explore military vehicles and handle decommissioned weapons.

Tasty treats are on offer too – including VE Day cupcakes, ice cream, and a twist on the wartime classic with a Woolton-inspired Pie. A brilliant, and FREE, day out for all the family!

Father’ Day at Auckland Palace

Gentleman's Afternoon Tea

When? Sunday 15 June, 12.30pm and 2.30pm – 90 minutes per sitting 

Where? Bishop's Kitchen, Auckland Palace

Dad’s and their loved ones can visit Bishop’s Kitchen to indulge in afternoon tea with a savoury twist. Our Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea, served in the enchanting setting of the Old Library at Auckland Palace, will be piled high with savoury treats including beef and ale pie, a sausage roll, a cheese scone served warm with whipped butter and fruit chutney, and much more - all lovingly crafted to perfection for just £20!

Minimum of two people per afternoon tea. Must be pre-booked in advance.  

Birds of Prey experience for five

When? Sunday 15 June, various slots - 10.45am, 11.45am, 12.45pm, 13.45pm and 14.45pm 

Where? Auckland Palace Bowling Green. 

To coincide with Father's Day, treat the family to something truly special: for £140 five people can enjoy a 40-minute private encounter with birds of prey in the grounds of Auckland Palace.

Ticket price covers the whole family (up to 5 people) and includes Palace entry and a digital image of your experience. Delivered with Walworth Birds of Prey. 

Recommended age 4+. Tickets now available to book. 

Flamenco and Tapas Experience

When? Saturday 21 June, 12pm or 6pm

Where? El Castillo Tapas Restaurant

Get ready to spice up your summer with a Flamenco & Tapas Experience! Lose yourself in the passionate rhythms of flamenco with this 90-minute dance taster session led by the talented Susan Moir, instructor from Newcastle’s Dance City. Stamp, clap and spin your way into the fiery dance of Andalucía, right here in Bishop Auckland!

Dance up an appetite, then transport your tastebuds to the streets of Seville with a delicious tapas buffet at El Castillo Restaurant.

Experience vibrant culture, delicious food, and fantastic fun – the perfect blend of Spanish zest and British summer!

New for this year – choice of afternoon session (12pm) with late tapas lunch, or evening session (6pm) with tapas dinner to follow.

£40 per person. Your ticket also includes 1 glass of El Castillo’s signature sangria (virgin option available). Book your tickets today.

Proms at The Palace

When? Friday 27 June, doors open 6.30pm, concert starts at 7.30pm 

Where? Auckland Palace Gardens 

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music at the iconic Auckland Palace Gardens. Experience the power and beauty of the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, a 23-piece ensemble led by acclaimed conductor Ben Crick, in a spectacular Proms performance like no other.

Soak up the enchanting atmosphere as timeless classical melodies fill the air, set against the stunning backdrop of the historic Auckland Palace. Bring your flags and your friends – it’s a night of celebration you won’t want to miss!

Book your tickets now.

The Barricade Boys – West End Party

When? Saturday 28 June, doors open at 6.30pm, concert starts at 7.30pm

Where? Auckland Palace Gardens

Direct from London, these four dazzling performers are taking the world by storm. From the heart-wrenching emotion of Les Misérables to the toe-tapping harmonies of the Jersey Boys, The Barricade Boys will take you on a musical journey like no other.

Throw in a mix of the greatest pop, rock, swing, and Motown hits of all time, and The Barricade Boys create the ultimate Broadway party musical mashup! Get ready for a night you’ll never forget, filled with jaw-dropping vocals, sensational dance moves, and more fun than you can shake a stick at.

Tickets start from £25. Available to book now.

Fuelling the Railway Revolution

When? Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10.30am – 4pm, from 27 June

Where? Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland 

This special exhibition explores the inextricable link between coal mining and the railways, in celebration of Stockton & Darlington Railway’s 200th Anniversary.

It will depict the development of the railways and feature significant works of art from across the North of England spanning two centuries, capturing the powerful story through the eyes of those who lived through this social and technological transformation, and those inspired by it since - including Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish, the latter who said: “the railways, which are fast disappearing, are such a compelling source of pictorial art in terms of human history or any other terms for that matter”.

Included with admission to the Mining Art Gallery.

High Speed Train Day on Weardale Railway

When? 17 August, various times

Where? Weardale Railway 

We are excited to welcome the 125 Group's, High Speed Train (HST) operating between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland West for one day only on 17 August 2025.

This is the first time in several years that Weardale Railway will host one of the modern-day icons of Rail travel.

Why not travel First Class and enjoy an Afternoon Tea (must be booked at the time of purchasing your tickets) First and Standard Tickets are available, and prices start from £30 adult and £20 child allowing travel on the route all day.

To view the timetable and to book your tickets, please visit weardale-railway.co.uk