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

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Tourism partners explore County Durham’s heritage Industry

Tourism partners explore County Durham’s heritage

21 Mar 2022

Representatives from Spain have experienced some of the delights of County Durham this weekend. Following a region-to-region tourism partnership being signed by Durham County Council and A Coruña Provincial Council in northwest Spain, last year, partners have come together in person to take part...

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County Durham’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid remains on track Industry

County Durham’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid remains on track

21 Mar 2022

County Durham is now a step closer to being named UK City of Culture 2025 and securing the colossal social and economic benefits this would bring. Today, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced the county was one of just four locations from across the UK to be shortlisted for...

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Spain's Field Farm opening Industry

Spain's Field Farm opening

16 Mar 2022

Great news that Beamish Museum is holding the opening celebrations for their new 1950s farm this Saturday and Sunday 19th and 20th March from 1pm. Spain's Field Farm is part of the Remaking Beamish project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust and Friends...

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Vintage rail travel exhibition launches in Durham – ‘Cradle of the Railways’ Industry

Vintage rail travel exhibition launches in Durham – ‘Cradle of the Railways’

16 Mar 2022

An exhibition of 40 vintage railway posters celebrating some of the most iconic stops on the London & North Eastern Railway line opens this week at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, County Durham. From Edinburgh to London & Beyond is a collection of original vintage railway posters...

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New piccalilli & chutney catering packs Industry

New piccalilli & chutney catering packs

9 Mar 2022

Our Supplier Partner, Calder's Kitchen, producers of piccalilli and chutneys, has launched new catering packs for food service, sandwich makers, cafe's, deli's, pubs and restaurants. Available in seven delicious, fresh flavours, they are looking for businesses across County Durham to work...

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Raby schools competition Industry

Raby schools competition

9 Mar 2022

To inspire the next generation of budding designers and engineers, Raby Castle has launched a competition encouraging local schools to design their own adventure playground. The prize for the talented winner and their whole class is exclusive access to The Plotters' Forest, before it opens to the...

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Global Astrotourism Summit Industry

Global Astrotourism Summit

2 Mar 2022

Stargazing has always been a popular activity, but there has been an unprecedented demand for dark sky tours and events since the pandemic. VCD Partner, Star Safaris, has co-ordinated with colleagues to develop the 'Astro-tourism Summit'. The summit provides 18 hours of talks, interviews and...

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Check your energy efficiency Industry

Check your energy efficiency

28 Feb 2022

Energy costs are rising rapidly which is having a huge impact on many businesses. But there are ways in which you could operate more efficiently, lowering your monthly bills and improving your carbon footprint. The Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) is here to help County Durham SMEs make...

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Attention Traders! Industry

Attention Traders!

16 Feb 2022

The hugely popular Seaham Food Festival, set against the backdrop of the stunning Durham Heritage Coast, is taking place over two days Saturday 6th August and Sunday 7th August. As always, stalls serving up the finest local produce and exciting street food will be at the heart of the event....

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Back to the 1950s Industry

Back to the 1950s

16 Feb 2022

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North will open its 1950s terrace with a week of celebrations this Half Term, 19th to 27th February 2022. Front Street terrace features John's Cafe, Middleton's Quality Fish and Chips, Elizabeth's Hairdressers, and a recreation of the 1950s home of celebrated...

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Green light for EcoFest event at Dalton Park Industry

Green light for EcoFest event at Dalton Park

16 Feb 2022

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 their environmental impact....

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Become more eco-friendly Industry

Become more eco-friendly

9 Feb 2022

If you want to make your business more eco-friendly but are not sure where to start, the National Coastal Tourism Academy has produced a Top Ten list of simple first steps to operating more sustainably. As well as being great for the planet, some of their tips will help save money and help your...

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Great news for Beamish Industry

Great news for Beamish

3 Feb 2022

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North has received a £150,000 grant from the Sir James Knott Trust for the museum's Georgian developments. The Remaking Beamish project includes Georgian industry, including a pottery and blacksmith's, along with overnight accommodation and a drovers' tavern. The...

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Funding for digital improvement Industry

Funding for digital improvement

19 Jan 2022

Tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses in County Durham are among those who can apply for a share of an almost £1million fund to help them in their recovery from the effects of Covid-19. The Durham Digital Improvement Grant will support businesses to enable the use of and improvement in the...

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Raby branching out with adventure playground in the forest Industry

Raby branching out with adventure playground in the forest

19 Jan 2022

World-class playground designers have started work on an enchanting new children’s adventure play area inside a mysterious forest in Raby Castle’s grounds. The project is part of a wider development, known as The Rising, that promises to attract new visitors to the area and create outstanding...

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