Winter Cheer across Durham

About

Communities across County Durham can make the most of some free festive fun this winter. A series of free events and workshops will form part of a Winter Wonders programme which will run until February 2023.

Supported by funding from the Towns and Villages programme, it will see 12 towns hosting a series of art workshops, street performances and installations. As well as supporting local events, it is hoped it will help to create vibrant communities and bring residents together.

In Consett, artist Claire Ford is working with local schools to help them create their own Christmas elves. These will go on display in local shops, which will be creating an elf trail for families in the town.

In Peterlee and Newton Aycliffe, The Barn is running workshops to create window displays around the winter wonderland theme. These will be unveiled to coincide with the towns' Christmas lights switch-on events, on Saturday 26 November, and will remain in place throughout December for families and visitors to enjoy.

Spark! will also bring its unique brand of illuminated street performances to the Christmas light switch-on events in Seaham (Friday 25 November), as well as Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor (Saturday 26 November).

Switch-on

Chester-le-Street's Christmas light switch-on, which is also being held on 26 November, will feature performances by local singers The Samba Sisters and various street artists. The event, organised by Chester-le-Street AAP and AH Events, will feature the work of local school children who are currently making recycled Christmas wreaths for the occasion.

In Durham City, we have partnered with Durham Markets to offer free craft workshops for children and their families. Mad Alice Theatre will also be entertaining visitors to the Christmas market on Saturday 3 December.

Meanwhile, Jack Drum Arts will be delivering a special winter light parade in Crook on New Year's Eve. Also, Daisy Arts will be organising a community parade in Bishop Auckland and TCR Hub is creating a parade in Barnard Castle, both in February.