Media Room
Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Call 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 WeekShortlist announced
3 Nov 2022
The shortlist for the 2023 North East England Tourism awards has been announced. The awards play a major role in showcasing the fantastic range of high quality experiences in North East England. This year saw more than 160 entries with over 50% coming from businesses who were entering for the first...
Read More about Shortlist announcedOutdoors in Durham
19 Oct 2022
Do you have a few minutes to share your thoughts with Crook Hall Gardens National Trust about getting active outdoors in the Durham area. The survey should only take around 10 minutes and you will have the opportunity at the end to enter a prize draw to win £100 as a thank you for your […]
Read More about Outdoors in DurhamChair and Trustee opportunity
19 Oct 2022
If you are passionate about North East England's history, culture and heritage, Beamish Museum is seeking expressions of interest from candidates who are forward thinking, open-minded, constructive and entrepreneurial for the roles of chair and up to 13 trustees to join a new board. Closing date...
Read More about Chair and Trustee opportunityMemorable Moments
19 Oct 2022
Visit County Durham's latest national campaign, 'Memorable Moments', is now live. A dedicated campaign hub is featured prominently on thisisdurham.com showcasing the experiences that can be had in the county during Autumn, Winter and Spring. Targeting couples and families, key...
Read More about Memorable MomentsSpa 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 contributionSave the date
12 Oct 2022
The Visit County Durham industry conference will take place on Wednesday 2nd November at Durham County Cricket Club, Chester-le-Street with registration from 10am and the conference starting at 10:30am to 2pm. This year's theme centres around Green Tourism, visitor trends and becoming carbon...
Read More about Save the dateGrowth 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 SupportHow's Business Survey
12 Oct 2022
Understanding the needs and concerns of the industry helps us to plan our future activity and support. Please spare 5 minutes to complete this short survey in relation to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, your performance and any current concerns you have. The survey will run until Friday 11th...
Read More about How's Business SurveyCountdown 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