The Bishop Auckland Heritage Festival is back, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever before, taking place on September 23, 2023. The event promises a day of exploration and entertainment, featuring Heritage Talks, a Vintage Car Show, a Puppet Show, the Bishop Auckland Horticulture Show, and more, all aimed at celebrating the rich history and heritage of Bishop Auckland. The festival, funded by Historic England and Durham County Council, offers free admission for all attendees, with some events requiring pre-booking. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together, share stories, and explore the town’s fascinating history, helping to shape its future.
Heritage Festival is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever before! On the 23rd of
September 2023, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the town of Bishop Auckland invites you to
embark on a remarkable journey through time, uncovering the rich history and heritage
that have shaped this extraordinary community.
This year’s festival promises an exciting line-up of activities, exhibitions, and events that
will captivate all ages. With an emphasis on community engagement and storytelling,
the Bishop Auckland Heritage Festival invites everyone to share their stories and
memories of the town and its people.
The Bishop Auckland Heritage Festival’s program is bursting with exciting offerings that
promise an unforgettable day of exploration and entertainment. Don’t miss the Heritage
Talks and Walking Tours, where expert speakers and authors will unveil the fascinating
stories and architectural treasures that make Bishop Auckland special today.
Car enthusiasts will be thrilled by the Vintage Car Show, where the gleaming vintage
automobiles showcased by the Northern Bygones Society will transport you back in
time. Families can look forward to the Puppet Show, a whimsical experience filled with
live music and puppetry, ensuring laughter and creativity for all ages. For those with a
green finger, the Bishop Auckland Horticulture Show will be a highlight, allowing you to
immerse yourself in the area’s rich gardening heritage. The tranquil Castle Gardens will
offer a peaceful retreat amid the historical splendour of Auckland Castle.
Can’t attend the full day? Tune in to Bishop FM on 105.9 FM to catch live broadcasts
and interviews from the event.
BOOKING
The entire festival program has been funded by Historic England and Durham County
Council, allowing all attendees to enjoy these incredible events free of charge. While
most events are drop-in, some require pre-booking, so be sure to visit
www.baccanalia.co.uk to secure your place.
Join us at the Bishop Auckland Heritage Festival on the 23rd of September 2023, for a
day of discovery, celebration, and a deep dive into our town’s fascinating history.
Together, we’ll shape the future by understanding and appreciating our past.
Dr Robert McManners OBE DL, Chair of Bishop Auckland Civic
Society and Conservation Area Partnership, said:
“We inherit our history, but history shapes the future we can build. Bishop Auckland is a
town steeped in history dating back to pre-Roman times. That history has determined
the town’s re-invention of its role on many occasions – from a Roman garrison town to
an Anglo-Saxon walled village, from the seat of a Norman bishopric to a medieval
market town, from a Victorian industrial centre to a heritage tourist destination. Our very
heritage itself is now forging our destiny. Join us at the Heritage Festival to relive and
enjoy our history to help us all shape that future.”
For more information, please visit www.baccanalia.co.uk/heritagefestival
