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New winter arts festival ‘IGNITE’ to light up Bishop Auckland this February.
This free celebration of light, storytelling and shared creativity is brought by Daisy Arts, in partnership with Hearth, The Auckland Project and Artistic Solutions. With the rallying cry “When the nights are long, we bring the light,” the festival invites families, friends, and visitors of all ages to gather.
Running from Friday, 20 February to Sunday, 22 February 2026, with events scheduled each day, IGNITE will open on Friday evening with a community parade through Auckland Palace grounds. Children from local schools will lead the way, wearing illuminated bishop’s mitres they have designed themselves, inspired by the town’s Prince Bishops, stained glass and heraldic colours.
The parade will also feature towering puppets, live folk music from street band The Storytellers, and light-filled performances from Bee Enchanted and local community dancers. Beginning in the Arrivals Court, the parade will move along the Peoples’ Broadwalk and through Robinson Arch before returning for the first ceremonial switch-on, lighting the tree and setting the festival glow in motion.
As the evening continues, visitors will experience a second switch-on; a striking large-scale projection will light the Spanish Gallery - created by artist Gareth Hudson, from a narrative shared with local schools and community groups, who have then created the designs. Their artwork tells a story: winter turns to light, sparks gather, snow melts, trees grow, and homes glow. It ends with light pulsing from home to home across the town.
Across the weekend, IGNITE spreads across the Market Place in Bishop Auckland - including The Hearth and Artists’ Hub - with interactive installations by Artistic Solutions, performances and hands-on activities. Visitors can join storytelling sessions, music recitals, weaving workshops and playful drop-in art experiences.
Inside St. Anne’s Church, visitors can change the building's colour by touch, and flickering flames and illuminated artworks will glow.
On Saturday and Sunday, major light installations will return, with the addition of street theatre in the Market Place and performances by the Tree Sprite and Green Man join the programme.
Daisy Arts CIC is an arts organisation connecting people through creativity. Since 2013 they have been delivering inclusive, high-quality cultural experiences that support wellbeing, build confidence and resilience, and strengthen communities. Their programmes help people explore their stories, develop creative skills and form meaningful connections.
Hearth is a cultural initiative for Bishop Auckland, delivered in partnership with The Auckland Project and SHED. Supported by external funding, the wider programme aims to create welcoming opportunities for people to connect, take part, and experience the role of culture in community life.
All IGNITE events are free to attend. Activities take place at Auckland Palace, the Market Place, the Spanish Gallery, the Auckland Tower, and nearby spaces. The festival runs from Friday 20 February to Sunday 22 February 2026. It is open to all ages.
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Find out what’s happening this week across the Culture County. From festivals and exhibitions, to sport and theatre, you’re certain to have an eventful time in Durham.
