The Durham Fringe Festival is a five-day celebration of performing arts held each summer in Durham City. From 29 July to 2 August, theatres, pubs, historic venues and outdoor spaces across the city come alive with comedy, theatre, music, storytelling, dance and creative performances.
What makes the Fringe special is the range of acts and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy:
Stand-up comedy and late-night shows
Live music and acoustic performances
Theatre and drama productions
Spoken word, poetry and storytelling
Circus, cabaret and experimental art
The programme changes every day, meaning there’s always something new to discover — whether you’re looking for a family show, a quirky one-person performance or a big crowd-pleaser.
The Fringe Festival spreads across multiple venues in Durham, including small theatres, intimate performance spaces and pop-up stages. It’s a fantastic way to explore the city during the summer, with cafés, restaurants, riverside walks and historic architecture all within easy reach of the festival sites.
If you’re planning to visit the festival, The Barn Oakenshaw offers peaceful countryside accommodation close to Durham City. After a day (or evening) of performances, you can return to a quiet, comfortable space away from the bustle of the festival.
Our location is ideal for:
Couples enjoying a summer arts break
Friends exploring different shows across the weekend
Visitors who want to balance culture and relaxation
Some shows are ticketed separately, so it’s worth checking the programme in advance.
Durham city parking can be busy during festival evenings — public transport or park-and-ride can be useful options.
If you’re staying for more than one day, plan to see different styles of performances to get the full Fringe experience.
The Durham Fringe Festival is a growing event with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a diverse mix of talent. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy live performance, discover new artists and make the most of summer in the North East.
For a relaxed and comfortable base near Durham, book your stay at The Barn Oakenshaw and enjoy a culture-filled short break close to the city.
Enjoy a timeless British tradition at Beamish Museum’s Pantomime 2026, running through the winter season at the historic open-air museum in County Durham. This year’s show is “Dick Whittington and his Cat”, brought to life with live music, audience interaction, mischief and magic — just like a classic pantomime should be!
10 January – 8 February 2026
Shows take place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season.
The performances are held in the 1950s Welfare Hall, a charming period space within the museum grounds.
This family-friendly event is ideal for children of all ages, adults young at heart, and anyone who loves live theatre with humour, music and audience participation. The panto captures the spirit of a traditional British pantomime — singing, jokes, lively antics and plenty of laughs — in a unique historic setting that adds extra charm.
Beamish Museum itself is a famous open-air museum that recreates everyday life in the North East across different eras, and the pantomime makes use of its atmospheric 1950s Welfare Hall for a nostalgic, memorable experience.
Pre-booking tickets is recommended once they go on sale.
Shows are on weekends only during the pantomime season.
Arrive early so you don’t miss any of the fun, and consider combining your visit with other Beamish experiences on the same day.
Planning a winter break in the region? The Barn Oakenshaw makes a cosy countryside base after your pantomime visit. Just a short drive from Beamish, our accommodation offers peace and comfort — perfect for families or groups enjoying local events, attractions and seasonal experiences in County Durham.
Beamish Pantomime 2026: Dick Whittington and his Cat – Beamish
20–22 February 2026 | Bishop Auckland, County Durham
IGNITE Winter Arts Festival Bishop Auckland takes place from 20–22 February 2026, transforming the historic town of Bishop Auckland into a glowing winter celebration of light, creativity and community.
Across three evenings, IGNITE Winter Arts Festival Bishop Auckland will fill the town with illuminated art installations, large-scale projections, live music, storytelling, puppetry and hands-on creative activities for all ages. The festival is completely free to attend, making it one of the most accessible and family-friendly winter events in County Durham.
This unique winter arts festival offers visitors the chance to experience Bishop Auckland in a whole new light during the quieter winter months.
Visitors to the IGNITE Winter Arts Festival Bishop Auckland can enjoy a wide range of creative experiences, including:
An illuminated community parade featuring giant puppets and live music
Light installations and large-scale projections across Bishop Auckland Market Place and Palace forecourt
Family-friendly creative workshops suitable for all ages
Street theatre, performances, music recitals and Artist Hub exhibitions
The festival is designed to be welcoming and inclusive, with a relaxed atmosphere that encourages exploration and creativity.
Friday 20 February 2026
Community parade and official light installation switch-on
Saturday 21 February 2026
Daytime creative workshops followed by evening illuminations and performances
Sunday 22 February 2026
Relaxed daytime programme and final night glow
Final timings for drop-in workshops and performances will be released closer to the event.
Location: Bishop Auckland town centre
Cost: All IGNITE Winter Arts Festival Bishop Auckland events are free
Best for: Families, couples, culture lovers and winter weekend breaks
Getting there: Bishop Auckland is easily accessible by road, with town-centre parking available (check local signage)
Guests attending the IGNITE Winter Arts Festival Bishop Auckland often choose to stay just outside the town, combining vibrant evening events with peaceful countryside surroundings.
The Barn Oakenshaw offers a comfortable rural base only a short drive from Bishop Auckland. After an evening enjoying illuminated streets and creative performances, guests can return to warm, spacious accommodation and relax in a calm winter setting — ideal for couples, families and group stays.
Winter is a particularly atmospheric time to explore Bishop Auckland, with quieter streets, crisp evenings and an increasing number of seasonal cultural events. The IGNITE Winter Arts Festival Bishop Auckland brings warmth and creativity to February, encouraging visitors to explore the town after dark while enjoying free, high-quality arts experiences.
Combining the festival with a countryside stay allows visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds — engaging cultural events in Bishop Auckland and peaceful rural relaxation nearby. This makes IGNITE an excellent reason to plan a winter weekend break in County Durham.
The IGNITE Winter Arts Festival Bishop Auckland is delivered by Daisy Arts in partnership with Hearth and The Auckland Project, celebrating creativity, connection and place during the heart of winter.
As with all outdoor events, programming may be subject to change due to weather conditions. For the latest updates, visitors are encouraged to follow Daisy Arts on social media or check official What’s On listings.
Experience Bishop Auckland in a whole new light this winter.
Fire & Ice Durham is one of the city’s most spectacular free winter events, returning on 27 and 28 February 2026. This two-day festival transforms Durham into a magical world of ice sculptures, fire displays and illuminated evening shows, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Spread throughout Durham City Centre, the event features:
Stunning carved ice sculptures created by professional artists
Live ice-carving demonstrations
Fire performers and flame effects
A dramatic evening finale show combining music, light and pyrotechnics
Family-friendly trails and activities around the city
Each year carries a theme, with sculptures placed across popular city spots such as the Market Place, Millennium Place and Prince Bishops Riverside—perfect for an atmospheric winter walk.
Fire & Ice is ideal for families, couples and groups looking for something unique to enjoy during the colder months. The event is free to attend, and visitors can explore shops, cafés, and riverside views as they follow the sculpture trail.
The evening finale is the highlight of the festival, drawing crowds for a spectacular outdoor performance that lights up the historic backdrop of Durham.
If you’re planning to visit Fire & Ice Durham, The Barn Oakenshaw offers a peaceful countryside stay within easy reach of the city. After exploring the sculptures and enjoying the evening entertainment, you can return to calm surroundings, private parking and comfortable accommodation.
Our location is perfect for a winter weekend break, combining the excitement of the festival with the relaxation of a rural retreat.
Wrap up warm — temperatures are low enough to keep the sculptures frozen.
Arrive early for the evening finale, as it attracts large crowds.
Parking in the city can be limited; park-and-ride or public transport is recommended.
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