{"id":199738,"date":"2025-09-25T06:39:22","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T06:39:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/?page_id=199738"},"modified":"2026-01-26T18:20:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T18:20:11","slug":"upcoming-local-events","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/upcoming-local-events\/","title":{"rendered":"Upcoming Local Events"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Upcoming Local Events<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Durham Book Festival Fri 9 \u2013 Sun 11 Oct 2026<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Durham Book Festival is the North East’s leading literary event, produced by New Writing North for Durham County Council and held in Durham City each October.<\/p>\n

2026 dates:<\/strong> Friday 9 \u2013 Sunday 11 October, taking place mainly at Gala Durham. Tickets are on sale now.<\/p>\n

This year’s line-up:<\/strong> Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant joins Durham University Chancellor Fiona Hill for a talk in the Forged in the North series, marking the 40th anniversary of the band’s debut album. Actor Christopher Eccleston appears alongside bestselling and award-winning writers including Susanna Clarke, Lucy Foley, Louise Doughty, Kit Fan and Sarah Hall, with poets Hollie McNish and Kayo Chingonyi. Fiona Hill also appears with Times columnist James Marriott for a discussion on smartphones, reading and democracy.<\/p>\n

Also running:<\/strong> a programme of workshops and activities across County Durham’s libraries tied to the 2026 National Year of Reading, plus the return of the Big Read and Little Read.<\/p>\n

Practical tips:<\/strong> headline events sell out book early. Most of the programme is concentrated at Gala Durham in the city centre, so parking is the usual Durham challenge; Park & Ride is easiest.
\nFor groups travelling in: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use estate a short drive from Durham city, sleeping up to 16 with three wood-fired hot tubs, log burners and private parking \u2014 a quiet countryside base for an October weekend in the city.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Raby Castle \u2013 Enchanted Christmas Light Trail<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u2728 Raby Castle \u2013 Enchanted Christmas Light Trail \u2728<\/p>\n

Raby Castle near Staindrop transforms for Christmas, with the castle’s state rooms dressed for the season and an illuminated trail winding through The Plotters’ Forest.<\/p>\n

New for 2026:<\/strong> the experience expands with two new ground-floor rooms \u2014 the Servants’ Hall dressed for a traditional Christmas Day below stairs, and an immersive kitchen installation by designer Tom Le Bon showing the preparations behind the meal. More projection and lighting technology has been added throughout, with candlelit evening experiences on selected dates.<\/p>\n

Also on:<\/strong> Father Christmas at Raby Castle, Mr and Mrs Claus in the Yuletide Yurt, and the Enchanted Forest trail \u2014 walkable in daylight or after dark when the lights come on. Tickets include Deer Park and Walled Gardens access.<\/p>\n

Booking:<\/strong> these events sell out annually. Book early.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use estate in County Durham sleeping up to 16, with three wood-fired hot tubs a comfortable base for groups visiting Raby<\/a>, High Force and Barnard Castle.<\/p>\n

Step into a world of festive magic at the Enchanted Christmas Light Trail at Raby Castle, one of County Durham\u2019s most breathtaking winter experiences. Wander through glowing woodland paths, shimmering light installations, and beautifully illuminated castle grounds as the historic estate transforms into a sparkling wonderland for the season.<\/p>\n

Expect a magical evening filled with:
\n\ud83c\udf84 Twinkling tunnels of light
\n\u2728 Enchanted forest scenes
\n\ud83d\udd6f\ufe0f Atmospheric projections on the castle
\n\ud83c\udf6d Festive food cabins, drinks & treats
\n\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83d\udc67 A family-friendly trail perfect for all ages
\n\ud83d\udcf8 Stunning photo moments at every turn<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re visiting as a family, a couple, or bringing the whole group, Raby\u2019s light trail delivers a truly unforgettable festive experience a perfect way to start (or end!) your Christmas celebrations.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Gala Durham Pantomime \u2013 19 November \u2013 31 December 2026<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Gala Durham pantomime is one of the city’s best-loved Christmas traditions, and 2026 brings Rapunzel \u2014 set in the tangled forest of Hamsterley, where a mysterious tower hides a kind-hearted prisoner and the enchantress Mistress Gothel haunts the woodland paths.<\/p>\n

2026 run:<\/strong> 19 November \u2013 31 December.<\/p>\n

What to expect:<\/strong> booing, cheering, “he’s behind you!”, and the feel-good festive energy Gala pantos are known for. Suitable for all ages and a reliable first theatre trip for younger children.<\/p>\n

Group bookings:<\/strong> email groupbookings@durham.gov.uk, call the Group Sales Co-ordinator on 03000 264 169, or the Box Office on 03000 266 600. School performance dates available on request.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use countryside estate sleeping up to 16, a short drive from Durham city. Popular with extended families combining the panto with the Durham Christmas Festival \u2014 with three wood-fired hot tubs waiting when you get back.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Christmas at Beamish Museum Saturday 21 Nov \u2013 Thursday 24 Dec 2026\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u2728 Christmas at Beamish Museum \u2728
\nSaturday 21 Nov \u2013 Thursday 24 Dec 2026<\/p>\n

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, recreates Christmas across the decades \u2014 from a Georgian celebration at Pockerley to a 1950s festive high street.<\/p>\n

Christmas Daytimes 2026:<\/strong> Saturday 21 November \u2013 Thursday 24 December, open daily 10am\u20134pm. Included in standard museum admission and free for Unlimited Pass holders.<\/p>\n

What to expect:<\/strong> decorated homes and shopfronts across the 1900s Town and Pit Village, freshly baked treats from the bakery, sweet shop favourites, carol singers and brass bands, vintage trams and buses running in the cold, and Edwardian photographer sessions with winter costumes.<\/p>\n

Worth knowing:<\/strong> Christmas Evenings are a separate ticketed event and sell out early. Grotto visits must be pre-booked. Beamish is a 350-acre open-air site \u2014 wrap up warm and allow a full day.<\/p>\n

Staying near Beamish:<\/strong> The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use County Durham estate sleeping up to 16, with three wood-fired hot tubs and private parking. It suits multi-generational family groups pairing Beamish with Durham’s Christmas markets.<\/p>\n

Step back in time and experience the magic of Christmas through the ages at Beamish Museum \u2014 the North East\u2019s award-winning open-air museum, transformed into a festive world like no other.<\/p>\n

Wander through the beautifully recreated towns, villages, and pit communities as they come alive with seasonal traditions, costumed characters, and old-fashioned charm. A perfect day out for families, couples, and groups looking to soak up Christmas nostalgia.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf84 Expect a magical experience filled with:
\n\ud83d\udd6f Traditional Christmas decorations from different eras
\n\ud83c\udf6c Sweet shops, bakeries & festive treats made the old-fashioned way
\n\ud83d\ude82 Vintage trams and buses decked out for the season
\n\ud83c\udfb6 Carol singers, brass bands & live music
\n\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83d\udc67 Hands-on crafts, storytelling & winter activities for children
\n\ud83c\udf81 Historic shops and stalls for unique Christmas gifts
\n\ud83c\udf32 Cosy firesides and glowing lantern-lit streets<\/p>\n

Every corner of Beamish feels like stepping into a living Christmas card perfect for making seasonal memories.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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AGLOW – Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Aglow at Auckland Castle \u2013 An illuminated Christmas light trail<\/strong><\/p>\n

AGLOW is one of the largest Christmas light trails in the North of England, running through the gardens, grounds and Deer Park of Auckland Palace in Bishop Auckland.<\/p>\n

The trail:<\/strong> a 1.5-mile illuminated route featuring the Tunnel of Light \u2014 the UK’s longest outdoor pulsating light tunnel \u2014 a Christmas tree standing over 30 metres, projections across the castle fa\u00e7ade, and dozens of light installations along the River Gaunless. Allow around 90 minutes.<\/p>\n

Practical tips:<\/strong> trail sessions start from late afternoon into the evening. The Deer Park has steep gradients and gets muddy \u2014 proper footwear is essential. Free parking at North Bondgate car park (DL14 7PG). Dogs welcome on leads. Sensory-friendly sessions run on selected dates.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> The Barn Oakenshaw is minutes from Bishop Auckland \u2014 an exclusive-use estate sleeping 16 with three wood-fired hot tubs. Ideal for groups combining AGLOW with Christmas at Beamish or the Durham Christmas Festival.<\/p>\n

Just minutes from The Barn Oakenshaw, AGLOW transforms the historic grounds of Auckland Castle into a breathtaking illuminated winter trail. Wander through the enchanting Deer Park as thousands of sparkling lights, glowing sculptures, and magical projections turn the landscape into a Christmas wonderland.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf84 What to Expect:
\n\ud83c\udf1f Mesmerising light installations and immersive displays
\n\u2728 A magical festive trail perfect for all ages
\n\ud83c\udff0 Stunning views of the castle illuminated under the night sky
\n\u2744\ufe0f A cosy, atmospheric walk through the Deer Park
\n\ud83d\udcf8 Beautiful photo spots around every corner
\n\ud83c\udfb6 Seasonal music adding to the festive mood<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Beamish Hall \u2013 Forest of Light<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Forest of Light is an illuminated woodland trail through the grounds of Beamish Hall \u2014 a shorter, gentler alternative to the region’s larger light trails, and particularly well suited to young children.<\/p>\n

The trail:<\/strong> a 45\u201360 minute walk through enchanted woodland featuring glowing installations, light-up fungi, twinkling trees, projected scenes and musical bridges that trigger carols as you cross them. Magical without being overwhelming, which makes it a good first light trail for toddlers and pre-schoolers.<\/p>\n

Practical details:<\/strong> runs on selected evenings, typically between 4pm and 8pm. Tickets around \u00a312\u2013\u00a313, infants free. SEN-friendly sessions available. Woodland paths get muddy \u2014 wear boots.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf32 What to Expect:
\n\u2728 Enchanted woodland path with glowing installations
\n\ud83c\udf44 Light-up fungi, twinkling trees & projected scenes
\n\ud83c\udfb6 Musical bridges that trigger carols as you walk
\n\ud83d\udc76 Ideal for young children \u2014 enchanting but not overwhelming
\n\u267f SEN-friendly sessions available
\n\ud83d\udcb7 Tickets approx. \u00a312\u2013\u00a313 (infants free)<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use County Durham estate sleeping up to 16, with three wood-fired hot tubs, private parking and full self-catering. A practical base for family groups combining<\/a> Forest of Light with Beamish Museum, just up the road.<\/p>\n

Visit the official site<\/a> for dates, times & tickets.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Upcoming Local Events Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More<\/p>","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-199738","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/199738","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=199738"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/199738\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=199738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}