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All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.

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Format: 29-12-2023

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Format: 30-12-2023

Industry

VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2025 finalists revealed

20 Dec 2024

VisitEngland has today, 20 December, announced the 10 finalists to make the shortlist of its annual search to find the unsung hero of England’s tourism industry. VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition, now in its 13th year, seeks out champions working in tourism who provide the most...

Industry

County Durham cultural venue is a success story

20 Dec 2024

A County Durham heritage and registration venue has attracted almost 60,000 people in its first five months – more than twice the number of visitors projected. From its opening day on Friday 14 June to the end of November, The Story welcomed 57,763 people, and is on track to double its annual...

Industry

Millions of Brits planning a domestic holiday during festive season, bringing estimated £2.5 billion boost to economy

18 Dec 2024

Survey also shows that going out for a meal and visiting a Christmas market are most popular festive activities. VisitEngland’s Christmas Trip Tracker Survey published today, 18 December, shows that 8.8 million Brits are planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the Christmas and New...

Industry

Countdown to Durham Brass 2025 begins as Brassed On acts sought

16 Dec 2024

Up-and-coming musicians from across the North East are being invited to apply to be part of one of the region’s biggest events. The ever-popular Durham Brass Festival returns next July with live music, indoors and out, promised at an array of venues in the city and across the county. The event...

Industry

Free After 3pm returns to County Durham this Christmas

11 Dec 2024

A North East council has announced it will once again offer free parking after 3pm in its car parks this festive season. Durham County Council’s Free After 3pm scheme will return on Monday 16 December and run through to Friday 3 January. The aim is to encourage people to shop on their local high...

Industry

Kynren celebrates a decade of spectacular shows!

9 Dec 2024

Following the success of its 2024 season, tickets are now on sale to experience Kynren – An Epic Tale of England in 2025. Bishop Auckland’s renowned live-action show is set to mark its 10th anniversary in 2025, with tickets now available for its milestone season. The County Durham...

Industry

Industrial artwork celebrates past and future of Durham cultural attraction

9 Dec 2024

An industrial artwork at the heart of the DLI Museum and Art Gallery will serve as a unique time capsule celebrating the venue’s past and future. Durham County Council has commissioned local blacksmith artist Graeme Hopper to emboss an inscription onto a steel plate, which will form part of the...

Industry

Norwegian Airlines lands at Newcastle Airport with new flights to Copenhagen

9 Dec 2024

Newcastle Airport is delighted to welcome Norwegian Airlines to the North East, which will offer flights to Copenhagen from 2 May 2025. The airline, one of Europe's leading low-cost carriers, has confirmed today that it will operate twice-weekly flights to the Danish capital every Monday and...

Industry

Seaham Food Festival dates confirmed – trader applications open now

3 Dec 2024

Though the weather might be getting colder, organisers of one of the region’s biggest summer food festivals have announced dates for next year. Durham County Council has confirmed that Seaham Food Festival will return for 2025, on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August. The festival welcomes thousands of...

Industry

England's Historic Cities launch new travel trade itineraries and resource

28 Nov 2024

A new England Originals Travel Trade Guide, brought to you by England’s Historic Cities, has been launched this autumn. England’s Historic Cities is a consortium of 13 Historic Cities in England, including Bath, Cambridge, Canterbury, Carlisle, Chester, Durham, Greenwich, Lancaster,...

Industry

Save the Date

27 Nov 2024

Join us in celebrating the incredible and diverse tourism businesses in our region at the 2025 North East England Tourism Awards ceremony taking place on Thursday 20 March 2025 at Newcastle Civic Centre. We look forward to seeing you next March! Buy your tickets.

Industry

Views on Bishop Auckland

27 Nov 2024

Residents and businesses are being asked to have their say on their feelings for and interactions with Bishop Auckland to help support its ongoing regeneration. Durham County Council has launched a consultation to gather views on how people who live or work in, or visit Bishop Auckland feel about...

Industry

Town Hall Closure

27 Nov 2024

Durham Town Hall has closed until spring/summer next year as Durham County Council carries out essential repairs. Working with specialist heritage consultants and contractors, the restoration includes lime render to internal walls, improved drainage capacities, and modifications and repairs to the...

Visit County Durham

Next Stop Durham

27 Nov 2024

Visit County Durham's latest national marketing campaign 'Next Stop Durham' is underway. Running from autumn 2024 to spring 2025, the campaign aims to inspire those who have travelled through the county by rail or road, but never visited, to stay. Activity includes advertising on the London...

Industry

Host & Stay expands UK portfolio with acquisition of Peak Staycations and Peak Cottage Management

27 Nov 2024

Leading UK based short-term rental management company, Host & Stay, have announced another acquisition, with Peak Staycations and Peak Cottage Management joining their growing portfolio of over 1,500 exclusively managed properties. This marks the company’s fifth acquisition of 2024, further...