LOCAL NEWS
LOCAL BUSINESS
LEISURE & LIFESTYLE
What’s happening in and around East Durham
Durham City’s riverbank has been spruced up as part of an annual project to keep the city tidy. Durham County Council’s Find and Fix team has been supported by volunteers from King’s Church in the city to paint and revamp the Racecourse area of the riverbank. The...
Two celebrity chefs born and bred in the North East have been confirmed as the final additions to a star-studded line-up for Seaham Food Festival. The popular seaside event returns on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August, with beachgoers able to enjoy two days of fun,...
It’s good for the environment, produces free fresh food and is a great way to get fit and make friends – what’s not to love about gardening? That is the question posed by believe housing as it invites schools, groups and individuals to get as busy as bees on its new...
East Durham Garden Centre, part of the British Garden Centres family, is showcasing two new plants this week at BBC Gardeners’ World Live in Birmingham. The new Delphinium and Buddleja have been sourced for this event and will be the stars of the event for the group....
A fun day to raise money for, and awareness of, melanoma is being held in Seaham on Sunday, June 26. The 'Melanoma Me' event, at Seaham Park Cricket Club, will take place between 11am and 6pm. It will include stalls, a bar, live music, a raffle and games. All proceeds...
The latest famous faces to join the line-up at a popular coastal food festival have been announced. Seaham Food Festival is back this summer on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August with two days full of fun, food, and entertainment along County Durham’s coastline....
Celebrations were in the air at a Shotton Colliery care home as residents reminisced about their memories of the Queen’s coronation and planted a tree to mark her Platinum Jubilee. Memories among the residents at Croft House care home included wide spread celebrations...
A Saturday Kitchen star and a formidable TV judge are the first celebrity chefs confirmed to appear at a popular seaside food festival. Seaham Food Festival returns on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August, bringing back sensational street food, family entertainment and live...
Believe housing has planted two special trees to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s platinum jubilee – supporting a veterans’ charity and the environment at the same time. Bill Fullen, Chief Executive of the County Durham-based housing association, was joined by Board...
Work has officially begun on the new Lane7 site in Durham. Plans for the new boutique bowling alley were announced a few months ago and contractors have now moved onto the site. The former Fat Budda in the Walkergate Scheme will be transformed as part of the £1.5m...
A housing association with 18,000 homes across County Durham and beyond is inviting customers to help it allocate grants to community projects. Throughout the year, believe housing supports projects and activities that make a difference to people’s lives and wellbeing...
County Durham’s green-minded residents and community groups have been celebrated at a virtual awards ceremony. The annual County Durham Environment Awards, which are run by Durham County Council on behalf of the County Durham Environment and Climate Change...
Hallgarth, The Manor House, in Pittington has long been a firm favourite for happy couples tying the knot. But recently, thanks to a six-figure investment committed by its new owners, the venue is branching out. EDB editor Leanne Fawcett went along to see how the...
Ambitious plans to drive growth, spark creativity and celebrate the extraordinary people and places of County Durham have showcased to the UK City of Culture 2025 judging panel. An exciting and immersive timetable of activities was arranged for the judges’ eagerly...
Dalton Park’s new £60,000 Play Park has been affectionately named ‘Shop and Slide’ after a competition to design an official brand logo was won by eight-year-old Rhys Savin from Darras Hall Primary School in Newcastle. Rhys’s artistic flair and clever play on words...
An organisation which has helped countless young adults to develop their skills, broaden their horizons and become better citizens, has been awarded County Durham’s highest honour. Durham County Council’s Chairman, Cllr Watts Stelling, presented the Chairman’s Medal...
Families in County Durham can enjoy free pool fun as part of a campaign to encourage safer swimming. Durham County Council is offering free pool-based activities for children and young people aged 18 and under who live in the county, in support of national Be Water...
Bishop Auckland Food Festival returned to its original spring date this year and was a roaring success, as people travelled from County Durham and beyond to celebrate all things food. The Durham County Council-run festival saw record-breaking visitor numbers this...
With just one day to go until Bishop Auckland Food Festival, visitors are being encouraged to plan their journey ahead of the weekend. The free Durham County Council-run event will be returning to Bishop Auckland town centre this weekend on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24...
It’s all change at Dalton Park, as the North East’s largest outlet shopping destination bids a fond farewell to Centre Manager Jerry Hatch after 16 years at the helm. New centre manager Richard Kaye is excited to take over the role. Having spent over 5 years managing...
Organisers of Bishop Auckland Food Festival are counting down the days until visitors are welcomed back to celebrate all things food. There are just two more weeks to go until the Durham County Council-run festival, which will take place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24...
A first glimpse of an exciting new cultural venue for County Durham has been revealed. Durham County Council has released a visualisation of what the former DLI Museum and Gallery will look like after it is transformed into a vibrant exhibition centre, gallery and...
A range of real ales, including three from overseas brewers, will be available at The Five Quarter in Peterlee during its 12-day real ale festival. The pub in Hailsham Place will host the festival from now until Sunday, April 10. The overseas brewers are from...
The Palm Courtyard Café at Seaham Town Park has been officially opened. The opening was conducted by the Mayor of Seaham, Councillor Leanne Kennedy; Seaham Town Councillors, Cllr Kathryn Brace, Cllr Jenny Bell, Cllr Sonia Foster and Cllr Georgina Fuller; and Hayley...
Murton Parish Council have been leading an initiative in partnership with Dalton Park and Morrisons, and with the support of the Dancing Betty and Durham County Council, so that Murton can call itself a litter free community. On Saturday, March 19, 2022, the council...
More than 100 saplings are now taking root in the landscaped habitat surrounding Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Destination thanks to a little bit of help from local pupils. Children from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Murton helped plant more than 100 trees as...
This weekend will see the culmination of the project, which involved former Durham miners, academics and local artists, as the 40-minute film is screened for the first time. Blast Beach: Digging Deeper has been created from a series of interviews with the communities...
A respected former headteacher is urging people from all walks of life across County Durham to join a consultation on issues which matter to them most – including everything from jobs to opportunities available for our children. Retired headteacher and Chair of...
A double MOBO Award winner, a Mercury Music Prize and Brit Award nominee, a band fronted by the current British Poet Laureate, and arguably the most famous brass band in the world will headline a popular music festival when it returns this summer. Tickets for a range...
With six weeks to go until Bishop Auckland Food Festival, organisers are excited to announce the final celebrity chef making up the weekend’s line up. The Durham County Council-run festival will delight foodies from across County Durham and beyond on Saturday 23 and...
Dalton Park’s first EcoFest event has been hailed a huge success by shoppers, traders, retailers and official partner Climate Action North. More than 1,500 people attended over the weekend with all workshops and activities fully booked in advance. The two-day free...
The Royal George at Old Shotton has long been a firm favourite among the East Durham food scene so when we were given the chance the visit the popular eatery to sample a two-course lunch, we were more than happy to accept. East Durham Business editor Leanne Fawcett...
A community radio station which was launched last year is seeing an increase in listeners as more and more people hear about it. County Durham Community Radio was set up by experienced DJ Sean Quilty, who spotted a gap in the market for a community focussed radio...
The importance of bringing derelict properties back into use to benefit communities is being highlighted by a North East council as part of National Empty Homes Week. Durham County Council is taking part in the week of action from Monday 28 February to Sunday 6 March...
The beginning of January was such a turbulent time. Both my parents had caught Covid-19 on New Year's Eve and were having to isolate in a room separate to me. I tested myself and I was negative, which was a bittersweet moment because as much as I was pleased that I...
Children have given the wildlife in their school grounds a helping hand as part of a construction week led by believe housing. The not-for-profit County Durham-based housing association held a series of activities for more than 230 pupils at Catchgate Primary School,...
The director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership has visited County Durham to find out how businesses, charities and the local authority are working together to help young people build a successful future. Henri Murison met with Cllr Amanda Hopgood, the Leader of...
Dalton Park is gearing up for its first major event of 2022 with a brand-new concept - EcoFest! The two-day free festival is part of the ‘One Small Change’ campaign in partnership with Climate Action North and will showcase small changes everyone can make to reduce...
North East music icon Sting is backing County Durham’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025. The multi-award-winning singer songwriter, whose career with The Police and as a solo artist spans more than five decades, believes securing the title for County Durham would...
A popular festival will bring delicious street food, celebrity chefs and more to the County Durham coast when it returns this summer. Food fans are being invited to save the date for Seaham Food Festival, which will take place this year on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7...
An organisation which champions local food, drink and arts and crafts producers is giving dozens of micro-brands a route to market, as it prepares to mark its second birthday. Discovering Durham, which is run by passionate entrepreneurs Liza Johnson of The Tea...
One of the North East’s most popular food festivals has announced its first line up of celebrity chefs, as organisers prepare to welcome foodies back to Bishop Auckland this spring. Bishop Auckland Food Festival will be returning to its April date after taking place...
Plans to implement a new tenancy strategy will be considered by County Durham councillors next week. As a housing authority, Durham County Council must keep its tenancy strategy under review in light of changing legislation and other factors. The council may amend it...
Being named UK City of Culture 2025 will attract millions of visitors to County Durham and the north east, create thousands of jobs, and significantly support the region’s levelling up. Today, Durham County Council has outlined its plans for the Durham 2025 campaign,...
World-famous artists will be part of a returning festival which helps to further young people’s learning of choral music in County Durham. Durham Vocal Festival was established by Durham Music Service (DMS) in 2017 to celebrate the heritage and depth of choral music...
Communities and venues across County Durham are preparing to ring in the Year of the Tiger with a host of traditional events and activities. Durham City will be celebrating the Lunar New Year on Saturday, 5 February with activities, performances and entertainment from...
An exhibition exploring the lockdown experiences of some of County Durham’s most vulnerable residents has gone on display at Gala Durham’s Gala Gallery. Home Time tells the story of life under lockdown through the eyes of care home residents, those who had to shield...
Critically-acclaimed live theatre, high profile stand-up performances and family fun are just some of the components making up an eclectic season of shows this spring at Gala Durham. The Durham City venue, which is operated by Durham County Council, opens its new...
Tackling climate change and raising the region’s reputation as a cultural destination are just some examples of effective partnership work in County Durham, councillors will hear next week. Durham County Council’s Cabinet will receive an update on the activities of...
A strong performance during 2021 has led to the creation of 26 new jobs at the North East’s biggest outlet shopping centre. Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Destination saw like-for-like sales increase by 13% against the same period in 2019, despite hugely challenging...
Organisers at a County Durham theatre have hailed the success of its recent Christmas pantomime, and are already looking forward to entertaining audiences once again next December. Durham County Council’s Gala Durham production of The Adventures of Robin Hood has come...
Residents across County Durham can have their say on the future of local library services. Durham County Council held the last review of the county’s library service in 2012. In recent years society has experienced massive digital and technological advancements and as...
The NHS App, launched just over three years ago, on 31 December 2018, now has over 22 million users and is one of the UK’s most downloaded apps. More than 22 million NHS App users (over 18 million registrations since the NHS COVID Pass was added on 17 May) The NHS App...
Work to revitalise a medieval castle in County Durham has won a regional award. Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, is one of the most significant complexes of medieval buildings in England. As a favoured residence of the bishops of Durham for at least 800 years, it...
Changes to a County Durham archive will mark the beginning of an exciting new era for the service, as it prepares to move to a vibrant new local history centre. From January 2022, Durham County Record Office’s search room will temporarily close to visitors to allow...
Housing and regeneration specialist – Vistry Partnerships North East – is developing a reputation for projects in the care sector. They will deliver over 400 homes, specifically designed for the over 55’s, those with age related care needs and younger people requiring...
A North East council has won a national award for its work on a pilot project which helps buyers custom build their own homes. Durham County Council has been working with Custom Build Homes to develop nine serviced plots at the new Trinity Mews development on the...
With pantomime season in full swing, two County Durham theatre venues are providing accessible performances of their Christmas shows, so that all audiences can share in the festive fun. Since late-November, Gala Durham and Consett’s Empire Theatre have been hosting...
Traders are being invited to apply for a stand at one of the region’s most popular food festivals ahead of its return next spring. Durham County Council has confirmed Bishop Auckland Food Festival will take place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April next year. This...
You know that the festive season has well and truly arrived when temperatures are going down and lights are going up! Plus, of course, the return of Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé and co to the airwaves. The pandemic is still making headlines, but virtual or otherwise,...
Prince Bishops Place is full of festive cheer this season with visits to Father Christmas, a children’s Christmas trail and a magical pedal powered tree! Plus the centre is raising funds for Treetops Children’s Ward at the University Hospital of North Durham....
A scheme which aims to drive up standards across County Durham’s private rented housing sector has been approved by the government. Durham County Council has been successful in applying for a large-scale selective licensing scheme, requiring all private landlords to...
Durham Deafened Support (DDS) has been given an early Christmas present with a further funding boost. The Horden-based charity has received an award from the National Lottery Community Fund to enable it to continue the valuable support that it provides to those with...
Plans for a new restaurant, offering diners an affordable six-course tasting menu using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, have been unveiled. Coarse will be based in the heart of Durham city centre and will open in the new year. Ruari Mackay, former chef at...
Supporting those affected by Storm Arwen is a key priority for the North East’s largest council. The storm, which brought gale force winds, heavy rain and heavy snow over the weekend, saw many households lose power, roads forced to close, and damage caused to housing...
Prince Bishops Place is excited to reveal their upcoming plans for the festive season! Prince Bishops will be filled with festive cheer as they not only welcome Father Christmas to the centre, but also a magical pedal powered Christmas tree and a fun children’s trail....
Are you hosting a staff Christmas party this year? After a compulsory virtual affair in 2020, and almost two years of pandemic related ifs and buts for events, a Christmas get-together could be just what’s needed to reunite your team. If your workforce has been...
Crimestoppers and retailers are urging shoppers across the North East to #ShopKind when they visit local high streets this Christmas, as new national polling reveals that over one third of shoppers (38%) have witnessed violence and abuse against shopworkers. With at...
The Countdown to Christmas is on and from this weekend, you can visit Santa Claus at Castle Dene Shopping Centre in Peterlee. From Sunday, and then every Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 4pm until Christmas, you can pop down and meet The Big Man. No booking is...
Primary school pupils across County Durham have started spreading early Christmas cheer amongst their international peers. As part of an annual festive project, Durham County Council has brought together more than 300 schools from 19 different countries to help...
Prince Bishops Place is delighted to welcome Elvet and Bailey’s Handmade Christmas to the centre. The new venture is the second shop from the people behind Elvet & Bailey and specialises in locally produced, Christmas themed gifts. All products stocked are...
A brand new eatery has opened its doors at Dalton Park and is already welcoming guests in with a tempting range of hot and cold drinks, a delicious brunch menu, tasty artisan cakes and authentic Italian Gelato. Etto Caffé is part of the Massarella Catering Group, a...
A Peterlee pub has won acclaim for the quality and standards of its toilets – in the Loo of the Year Awards 2021. The Five Quarter in Hailsham Place has been awarded a platinum rating by inspectors. The awards are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of 'away...
East Durham Creates is working together with Durham University on an innovative new project which connects a former mining village in East Durham to thousands of years of history in the university’s collection. As we emerged from lockdown in 2020 local arts engagement...
Families can take a trip through ‘Sherburn Forest’ to find a heroic outlaw and his band of merry men and women, as a County Durham venue’s annual festive panto returns to the stage. Gala Durham will be bringing back its popular family Christmas panto from next month,...
Plans to develop a passenger rail service from Weardale to Darlington are to be further considered thanks to £50,000 funding. Durham County Council and The Auckland Project have been successful in applying for the grant from the Department for Transport’s Restoring...
Parks across County Durham have been handed Green Flag Awards after being kept in tip top shape during the past year. The awards recognise excellence and good practice in the management and development of parks and open spaces. Ranging from parks to cemeteries, to...
The North East’s largest outlet centre Dalton Park has officially unveiled a new interactive wishing well, a modern way to raise funds for the shopping destination’s chosen charity. Long-time Dalton Park visitors may remember a wishing well from a few years back where...
Residents are being asked to have their say on plans to transform County Durham’s leisure facilities. As part of Durham County Council’s £78 million Leisure Transformation Plan, there are plans for three new state of the art leisure centres and a full programme of...
More people are being urged to consider becoming foster carers to help make a difference to the lives of children across County Durham. Durham County Council has launched an appeal to recruit more carers for children with additional needs and disabilities. This could...
Since returning to college at the end of August, I’ve been at a constant battle with my mental health. Mainly my anxiety. This is due to me having to make new friends after my friends from last year have now moved on with their lives and have jobs or are going to...
Seaham Hall Serenity Spa Review by Leanne Fawcett for East Durham Business magazine... Nearly two years after my last visit to the wonderful Seaham Hall Hotel – a real gem in the North East’s crown - because of the coronavirus pandemic, it was with open arms and...
People across County Durham and beyond came to Bishop Auckland to celebrate all things food, when a popular festival returned at the weekend with extra flavour. Thousands of people attended this year’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival, laid on by Durham County Council,...
It might only be October but next weekend Christmas is coming to East Durham Garden Centre. On Sunday, October 9, the centre will officially launch its festive displays, with decorations, trees and gifts all available to buy. The incredible Christmas displays are...
The bravery, ingenuity and determination of County Durham individuals is being commemorated in a series of new blue plaques. From a renowned astronomer, to the women who risked their lives working in a munition factory – the plaques celebrate those whose achievements...
The UK is currently in need of more than 8,500 foster homes for children and young people. Current world events could see this number drastically increase over the next year. Following the results of a recent report, a regional fostering organisation is encouraging...
In a bid to drive health and happiness, Durham County Council has launching its biggest ever campaign to get people moving to benefit their physical health and mental wellbeing. Whether people are used to being active or are just starting out, the new Move campaign...
Greggs has reappointed retail marketing and branded payments provider Redu Retail to lead its Corporate Gift Card provision. The agreement marks the continuation of a collaborative partnership intended to facilitate further growth for the UK’s leading bakery food...
A Peterlee pub is to cut the price of all food and drink by 7.5 per cent on Thursday, September 23 - to highlight the benefit of a permanent VAT reduction in the hospitality industry. Prices at The Five Quarter in Hailsham Place will be reduced for one day only to...
Cineworld’s seven-screen multiplex cinema is celebrating five years at the North East’s biggest outlet centre with balloons, cakes, competitions and birthday treats for visitors. Cineworld opened its doors at Dalton Park on September 9th 2016 with a gala night Ben Hur...
Turtle Bay, the popular Caribbean restaurant and bar group, is holding auditions for jobs at its new Durham venue. Work is underway on a two-storey 4850 sq ft restaurant at The Riverwalk Durham and Turtle Bay hopes to recruit up to 50 people before opening its doors...
Community groups across County Durham have the opportunity of winning 2,000 bulbs to brighten up their area. Green-fingered champions across each of Durham County Council’s 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) are in with a chance of securing the floral treats for their...
From bug hunting, basketball, den building and dancing, children across County Durham have been taking part in fun activities thanks to a summer holiday programme. Summer holiday activities are being supported by Durham County Council’s Area Action Partnerships...
Tomorrow (August 19), I will be celebrating my 18th birthday. An age that is supposed to mean the start of adulthood and becoming independent. In the past couple of years, I have learnt a great deal about my condition. What I have learnt has made me revaluate the...
North East entrepreneur Keith Gill, one of the founders of the snack brand Phileas Fogg, has written his memoirs, detailing his life and career spanning five decades. The memoirs are in two parts. Taking It Head On: Memoirs of a County Durham Miner’s Son is Part 1 and...
County Durham’s foodies made the most of the sunshine and showers to enjoy this year’s Seaham Food Festival. Thousands of people visited the Durham County Council festival over the weekend to support independent traders, boost business recovery and enjoy two days of...
Bellway Durham is delivering 250 homes from its flagship Artisan Collection at a new development in Wingate. The developer is building a mix of two, three and four-bedroom detached, semi-detached and terrace houses at Wellfield Rise in the village. All 250 properties...
Visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys to Seaham Food Festival in advance this weekend as the event makes its welcome return to the County Durham coastline. There’s a full menu on offer at the free Durham County Council festival, with around 100 traders,...
Network Rail is warning people in Durham of the dangers of trespassing after a third of British adults admit they would step onto the track to retrieve their mobile phone. It comes as hocking new survey1 results have revealed that a third of British adults are...
A specialist energy efficiency team from Durham County Council along with others from across Europe met online to share ideas of best practice to support SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises). Representatives from the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Germany, Finland, Slovenia,...
Vital community support programmes, halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, can now return safely thanks to funding from a local housing association. Residents in east Durham, with a particular focus on Blackhall Rocks, Deneside in Seaham, Shotton Colliery, Wheatley...
Councillors and stakeholders are to be given the opportunity to contribute to a review of the future of a treasured regimental collection. Durham County Council is holding a meeting next week at which its members and invited interested parties will be given the chance...
