2025 is off to a busy start for Visit County Durham as we partner with Visit Tees Valley and S&DR200 to promote the region’s railway heritage, and the international festival which is on track to take this incredible story to the world.  

The 9-month international festival taking place across Durham and Tees Valley celebrates the 200th anniversary of the first journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) which changed how the world traded, travelled, and communicated. Highlights include a light projection and drone show opening event on 29 March, new public artworks, a two-part Ghost Train outdoor performance and a re-enactment of the first journey on sections of the original S&DR route, taking place on 26, 27 and 28 September 2025. 

The first activity in a plan which will see Durham and Tees Valley promote the region’s shared railway heritage during the festival year to national and international travel trade, media and consumers, is Vakantiebeurs, a leading travel expo which took place in the Netherlands last week. The annual event is one of Europe’s leading travel and tourism fairs, drawing exhibitors, travel trade and consumers from across the world.  

In addition, the wider Durham and North East offer was promoted via a Destination North East England stand.

Michelle Gorman, Visit County Durham managing director said: “Working in partnership with Tees Valley and S&DR200 is an excellent opportunity to promote our shared railway heritage. With award-winning attractions including Locomotion in Shildon, the world’s first railway town, and the new Hopetown Darlington, alongside the incredible festival programme, we are working together to inspire visitors to make the festival part of a longer break in the region.”

Charlie Kemp, Head of Creative Place for Tees Valley Combined Authority, said “Tees Valley is truly at the heart of the railway story thanks to the pioneering role of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. We can't wait to welcome visitors to our fantastic attractions and the fabulous events taking place across Tees Valley to celebrate the 200th anniversary.”