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All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
North East artists to transform historic estate into a land of enchantment
22 Nov 2022
One of the North East’s leading heritage attractions is promising to light up Christmas with the return of a popular festive light trail, showcasing ambitious new outdoor artworks by regional artists. Illuminating Ushaw: Land of Enchantment will take visitors on a captivating journey around Ushaw...
Read More about North East artists to transform historic estate into a land of enchantmentGrade One Listed Gainford Hall removed from Historic England at Risk Register
17 Nov 2022
Grade one listed Gainford Hall has been successfully removed from the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register following restoration works by Raby Estates. This important step in The Rising, the five-year Raby Estates redevelopment plan, marks a turning point, as Raby delivers on its first...
Read More about Grade One Listed Gainford Hall removed from Historic England at Risk RegisterLighting up lives: Lumiere announces 2023 dates
15 Nov 2022
Tuesday 15 November 2022. Today marks one year until the return of Lumiere, the UK’s light art biennial. The free-to-attend, four-day event will take place from 16-19 November 2023 in Durham. Produced by leading arts producers Artichoke and commissioned by Durham County Council, Lumiere will...
Read More about Lighting up lives: Lumiere announces 2023 datesVirtual tours
9 Nov 2022
VCD Partners Farnley Tower, Thomas Wright House, Grassholme Observatory and Gala Durham are amongst businesses that enhance their marketing content to visitors by offering a 3D virtual tour developed by our Supplier Partner 3D Virtual Spaces. Virtual tours allow potential visitors to see your...
Read More about Virtual toursFunding opportunity
9 Nov 2022
SME's based in County Durham could access up to 40% funding for business improvement projects costing between £2,500 and £8,000 (maximum grant of £3,200) from The North East Business Support Fund. The grant can be used for any type of business support that will help your business grow. The...
Read More about Funding opportunityBig investment for culture in County Durham
7 Nov 2022
Organisations across County Durham will be supported in delivering key cultural events and attractions after being successful in bids for funding. The Arts Council selected County Durham as one of 54 Priority Places in the UK where it has announced it will be focusing its investment. Durham County...
Read More about Big investment for culture in County DurhamCall for traders for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2023
3 Nov 2022
Applications are now open for traders to be part of one of the North East’s most popular food festivals. Bishop Auckland Food Festival will return to the town’s Market Place on Saturday 22 April and Sunday 23 April. The Durham County Council-run festival, which this year attracted over 30,000...
Read More about Call for traders for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2023Coastal survey results
3 Nov 2022
The National Coastal Tourism Academy has published the latest results from their third business survey. Findings indicate that more than 65% of coastal businesses are back to profit post-Covid, a significant increase on previous waves. However, nearly 20% say it will be another year before they...
Read More about Coastal survey resultsEV charging points
3 Nov 2022
If you are a registered charity or small accommodation business, you may be able to apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme, a voucher-based scheme that provides eligible applicants with support towards the upfront costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle (EV) charge points. The...
Read More about EV charging pointsDurham Restaurant Week
3 Nov 2022
Durham BID is running Durham Restaurant Week from 28th January to 4th February 2023. It's the perfect way to help people discover a new restaurant in Durham that they've always wanted to try or enjoy an old favourite. Each restaurant is asked to create a bespoke Durham Restaurant Week menu ranging...
Read More about Durham Restaurant WeekSpa plan and new bedroom wing unveiled for Hardwick Hall Hotel
18 Oct 2022
An ambitious scheme to create a luxury spa and health club and additional 35 bedrooms at a Durham hotel is hoping to get the go-ahead from councillors. Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield is currently awaiting planning permission for the £13m scheme, which if successful will see work begin late...
Read More about Spa plan and new bedroom wing unveiled for Hardwick Hall HotelHamper contribution
12 Oct 2022
Reed Partnership will be hosting three events during November to support Restart Scheme participants in County Durham with the current cost of living issues. The Restart Scheme is a service which helps long-term unemployed people into work. Local organisations will give participants insight into...
Read More about Hamper contributionGrowth Plan Support
12 Oct 2022
The North East Growth Hub has produced a handy update on what support is available to businesses following the Chancellor's unveiling of the government's Growth Plan. Amongst the measures announced were support with energy costs, reversal of the National Insurance contributions rise, and changes to...
Read More about Growth Plan SupportCountdown begins
5 Oct 2022
The official countdown to the 2025 Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) bicentennial celebrations has begun with the unveiling of the new brand for the anniversary, marking three years to go. At the heart of the celebrations are the plans for a recreation of the inaugural journey from...
Read More about Countdown beginsNew Tourism Minister
5 Oct 2022
Life Peer Lord Syed Kamall has been announced as Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and takes responsibility for civic society, heritage and growth alongside tourism. We would like to welcome Lord Kamall to his new role and thank outgoing...
Read More about New Tourism Minister