The Durham Brass Festival is one of the most popular summer music events in the North East. Held every July in Durham City, the festival brings brass bands from across the UK and around the world for a week of live music, performances and community celebrations.
The festival features a wide variety of brass music, from traditional marching bands to modern, contemporary and jazz-inspired performances. Each year, audiences can enjoy:
Outdoor concerts in city squares and parks
Family-friendly street performances
Evening shows in popular venues
School and community projects
Pop-up music events around Durham
It’s a lively, colourful event that fills the city with sound, energy and atmosphere. Whether you’re a music lover or simply enjoy discovering something new, the Brass Festival is a wonderful way to experience Durham in the summer.
The Durham Brass Festival usually takes place in mid-July, with the 2026 dates expected to run 12–19 July 2026.
The festival is designed to bring people together through music. Local residents, visitors and musicians gather in different locations across Durham, including the Market Place, Wharton Park, Gala Theatre and city cathedral spaces.
Because performances take place across multiple days and venues, it’s easy to plan a visit that suits your schedule — whether you want a full weekend of concerts or just a relaxed afternoon enjoying outdoor music.
If you’re attending the Durham Brass Festival, staying at The Barn Oakenshaw offers a comfortable and peaceful base close to the city. After a day of music and celebrations, you can return to countryside accommodation, private parking and a quiet evening away from the crowds.
Our location is ideal for:
Couples enjoying a summer music break
Families looking for space and flexibility
Groups attending concerts together
Some events are free, while others may require booking in advance.
Public transport is useful during the festival, as city parking can be busy.
Bring comfortable footwear if attending multiple performances around the city.
The Durham Brass Festival is a fantastic way to explore the city and enjoy live music in historic surroundings. Combine your visit with local attractions such as Durham Cathedral, riverside walks, markets, cafés and summer events around Bishop Auckland and County Durham.
For a relaxed place to stay nearby, The Barn Oakenshaw gives you space, comfort and easy access to everything the festival has to offer.
The Bishop Auckland Food Festival is one of County Durham’s biggest and most popular spring events. Taking place every April in Bishop Auckland town centre, the festival brings together talented chefs, local food producers, street-food stalls, live demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment.
The festival takes place on 18–19 April 2026. It attracts thousands of visitors every year, making it a great opportunity to explore Bishop Auckland, sample local produce and enjoy a relaxed day out with family and friends.
The Bishop Auckland Food Festival is packed with food stalls, artisan producers, desserts, craft drinks, local brewers and international street-food traders. Visitors can also enjoy chef demonstrations, live music, tasting sessions and special pop-up events around the town.
Whether you love sweet treats, classic comfort food or something new to try, there is always plenty of choice. It’s the perfect place to discover local flavours from across County Durham and the North East.
If you’re planning to visit the festival, The Barn Oakenshaw is a peaceful countryside place to stay within easy reach of Bishop Auckland. After a day exploring food stalls and festival attractions, you can relax in quiet surroundings with comfortable accommodation and scenic rural views.
Our location is ideal if you want to enjoy the festival without staying in the busy town centre. We offer private parking, self-catering facilities and a calm place to unwind.
Bishop Auckland town centre can get busy during the festival weekend, so arriving early is recommended.
Parking is available around the town, but staying nearby makes travel easier and more relaxed.
Check the official festival website for chef line-ups, map information and food stall listings.
The Bishop Auckland Food Festival is a wonderful way to enjoy spring in County Durham. Combine your festival visit with nearby attractions such as Auckland Castle, The Mining Art Gallery, Raby Castle or countryside walks around Weardale.
If you’re looking for a place to stay for the festival weekend, The Barn Oakenshaw offers a comfortable base close to Bishop Auckland with easy access to local events, walks and restaurants..
Bishop Auckland Food Festival – A celebration of Food & Drink in the North of England
If you’re planning to attend Crookfest 2026, why not turn your festival trip into a countryside getaway? The Barn Oakenshaw is perfectly located near Crook, offering a peaceful and comfortable place to stay after a full day of live music.
Crookfest takes place on Sunday 3 May 2026, over the early May Bank Holiday weekend. It’s an all-day music festival held at Crook Town AFC football ground in County Durham, with multiple stages, tribute acts and an exciting lineup of rock, indie and classic hits.
Crookfest does not offer camping, so staying nearby makes travelling to and from the festival much easier. Book accommodation in advance to avoid the rush closer to the event date.
The Barn Oakenshaw is a short drive from Crook, giving you quick access to the festival without the noise or crowds. It’s ideal for couples, families or groups looking for:
Quiet countryside surroundings
Comfortable self-catering accommodation
Private parking and easy travel to Crook
A relaxing place to unwind after live music
After spending the day enjoying bands, food stalls and festival atmosphere, you can return to the calm of rural County Durham.
Food and drink stalls are available on site
The festival usually runs from around lunchtime until late evening
Public transport is available, with buses serving Crook and nearby towns
Accommodation around festival events tends to fill up fast. If you’re attending Crookfest 2026, consider staying at The Barn Oakenshaw for a comfortable, convenient and memorable festival weekend.
The Durham Regatta is one of the North East’s most historic and iconic sporting events. Often called the “Henley of the North,” the Regatta brings two days of competitive rowing, riverside entertainment and festival atmosphere to the River Wear in Durham City.
The 193rd Durham Regatta will take place in June 2026, attracting rowing clubs, spectators and families from across the UK.
Established in 1834, Durham Regatta is one of the oldest regattas in the country. Over the years it has become a major summer highlight, combining competitive rowing with a relaxed, scenic day out along the river.
Visitors can enjoy:
Two days of rowing races on the River Wear
Viewing spots along the riverbanks and city bridges
Refreshments, food stalls and family-friendly riverside areas
A lively festival feel in and around Durham City
A chance to watch beginners, university teams and elite rowers all compete
It’s a brilliant event for both sports fans and those simply looking for a picturesque summer outing.
The Regatta traditionally runs on the second weekend of June each year.
Exact 2026 race times and schedules will be confirmed closer to the event.
With Durham Cathedral rising above the river and boats gliding along the Wear, the Regatta offers one of the most beautiful viewing settings in the region. Many visitors enjoy spending part of the day watching the races and the rest exploring Durham’s cafés, parks and riverside walks.
If you’re visiting in June, The Barn Oakenshaw is an ideal place to stay. Located within easy reach of Durham City, our countryside accommodation provides a peaceful retreat after a busy day by the river.
Guests appreciate:
Comfortable, spacious self-catering accommodation
Private parking and easy access to Durham
Quiet rural surroundings perfect for relaxing after the event
Whether you’re attending to support a team, enjoy a summer weekend away or simply experience a historic North East tradition, staying nearby makes your visit stress-free and enjoyable.
Arrive early to secure a good riverside viewing spot.
Parking in Durham can be busy during the Regatta — use park and ride where possible.
Bring comfortable footwear for walking along the riverbanks.
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