The Bowes Museum invests in cultural tourism with new ‘In Concert’ series

24th September 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 Museum’ transforms the museum’s Jubilee Room into an intimate performance space, hosting internationally renowned musicians and artists from October to December 2025.

This marks a significant investment in the region’s cultural infrastructure. Until now, audiences looking for world-class live music have typically had to travel to larger cities such as Newcastle or York. A central feature in the North East’s creative daytime economy museum aims to make Barnard Castle a destination for cultural tourism, creating new opportunities by bringing in global talent to provide a unique and intimate evening experience.

David Nicholls, Head of Commercial and Visitor Welcome at The Bowes Museum, said: “This is about more than concerts; it’s about growing confidence in the area as a cultural destination. Our In Concert Series is the start of a longer-term vision to bring international artists here, build audiences and ensure that the museum continues to play a key role in the local economy.”

The first season will showcase a diverse mix of talent, from emerging voices to established legends:

• Sat 11 Oct - In Conversation with Nathan Coley, Turner Prize-nominated contemporary artist
• Sun 12 Oct - St Catherine’s Child, rising Americana/indie-folk voice (Ilana Zsigmond, Recording Academy “Class of 2024”)
• Sat 1 Nov - Chris Difford, founding member of Squeeze
• Sat 15 Nov - Fyfe Dangerfield, Mercury Music Prize and BRIT-nominated, ex-Guillemots frontman
• Fri 21 and Sat 22 Nov - Juan Martín, one of the world’s top three flamenco guitarists (Guitar Player magazine)
• Fri 5 and Sat 6 Dec - Nerina Pallot, BRIT and Ivor Novello Award nominee (Sat 6 sold out)

Beyond the performances, visitors are encouraged to make an evening of it, with pre-concert suppers in the award-winning café, interval drinks and the chance to enjoy one of the UK’s most important museums after hours. With free parking, and immersion in the atmosphere of the museum’s art collections after hours, the concerts offer a new kind of cultural night out for the region.

Tickets are available via museum website. Prices range from £20–£40. Early booking is strongly advised due to very limited capacity.