We are running a series of free festival-style events across the county’s main towns throughout March, as part of a bid to get people visiting and enjoying their high streets.

Outdoor entertainment

Each weekend of the month will see fun activities descend upon a different town centre, where people can enjoy a variety of entertainment including circus performances and workshops, walkabout acts, craft workshops and face painting.

In some areas there will also be an outdoor performance ring, a stage and seating, grass street furniture, pop-up marquees, a climbing wall and crazy golf.

The events support the county’s current bid for UK City of Culture 2025. If successful, the bid will mean more opportunities to bring exciting events to towns and communities across the county.

Dates and times

The street festival kicked off with events in Seaham and Shildon last weekend, with the next to take place on:

• Saturday 12 March, 11am to 3pm – Crook Market Place
• Sunday 13 March, 11am to 3pm – Ferryhill Market Place
• Wednesday 16 March, 4pm to 8pm – Durham Market Place
• Saturday 19 March, 11am to 3pm – Stanley Front Street
• Sunday 20 March, 11am to 3pm – Middle Street, Consett
• Friday 25 March, 4.30pm to 8.30pm – Bishop Auckland Market Place
• Saturday 26 March, 11am to 3pm – Chester-le-Street Market Place
• Sunday 27 March, 11am to 3pm – Scar Top, Barnard Castle