Bishop Auckland Town Council

VJ Day Service
2025-08-15 10:50 - 11:30 (Europe/London) | Bishop Auckland Market Place, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NP, United Kingdom
On behalf St Anne’s Church and Bishop Auckland Town Council, we would like to invite you and your members to join us in commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on Friday 15th August 2025. This marks the surrender of Japan at the end of World War II in the Pacific Theatre.
Location: War Memorial, Bishop Auckland Market Place
The programme for the day is as follows:
10:50am – Opening prayers
11:00am – A two-minute silence will be observed in honour of all who served and sacrificed
11:10am – A commemorative service inside St Anne’s Church, Bishop Auckland
After the service, refreshments including food and drink will be available, generously prepared by church volunteers and funded by the Town Council as a token of our gratitude to all who attend and support our veterans. Standards are welcome.
Please note there will not be a march or road closure in place on this occasion.

Bishop Auckland Family Festival 2025
2025-08-16 - 2025-08-17 | Jane Armstrong Park, Watling Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 6PP, United Kingdom
The Bishop Auckland Family Festival returns to Jane Armstrong Park for a second year on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August 2025.
This free community event is designed to engage local families in accessible, cultural, and social experiences.
Following the success of the 2024 festival, this year’s event will build upon its strong foundations, and once again align its theme with Bishop Auckland Town Hall’s Summer Exhibition, which is a Brick Flicks LEGO® exhibition. Last year’s summer exhibition theme was ‘Carboniferous Monsters’, so the family festival featured a variety of activities including cave painting, dinosaur training, fossil finding and bug handling.
With a community atmosphere, this year’s festival will include a diverse mix of performances, hands-on workshops, and interactive installations, creating an inclusive and exciting environment for attendees of all ages. The festival will generally be free, and booking in advance will not be necessary.
Jane Armstrong Park on Watling Road in Bishop Auckland, is named after a beloved community figure and plays an integral role in the town’s recreational life. It’s a place where the community can enjoy open spaces and engage in various outdoor activities and is conveniently accessible from the largest suburban areas in the town.
For the second year running, Bishop Auckland Town Council has contributed to the Family Festival, strengthening community ties and culture to the doorsteps of local families, giving them the chance to engage and socialise in a familiar place.
Delivering a free programme of creative enrichment is part of Baccanalia’s mission for positive culture, everywhere.
Visit the Baccanalia website for more information about all of their upcoming events.

Hearth Summer School
2025-08-19 - 2025-08-22 | Auckland Castle, Auckland Castle, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NR, United Kingdom
From storytelling to outdoor adventures, join storytellers, artists, historians, and makers to explore the past, connect with the present, and imagine the future.
Four days of hands-on heritage fun for ages 7–11.
Tuesday 19th August – Friday 22nd August 2025
10:30am – 4:00pm
Activities take place across all of the Auckland Project sites and include creative workshops, games, and plenty of time outdoors.
Lunch included each day.
This Event Has Tiered Ticketing:

Option 1: £35 for the first child / £20 additional sibling (for all 4 days)
Option 2: £10 per child (for all 4 days)
(Option 2 is for families who might otherwise be unable to take part. No proof of earning is required. Please choose the option that feels right for your situation – it’s completely confidential, and every child will receive the same experience.)

All tickets cover the full summer school and free lunch is provided daily for each child.
Booking is essential.
To book tickets, visit the Auckland Project website.
Hearth Summer School

This Event is a spark in a wider programme of people, place, and possibility, brought to you by Hearth – in partnership with The Auckland Project. For more information visit www.facebook.com/HearthBishopAuckland

Goldwing Owners Club of Great Britain - 43rd British Treffen
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-23 | Bishop Auckland Market Place, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NP, United Kingdom
Goldwing Owners Club of Great Britain (GOCOGB) is to host the 43rd British Treffen at Bishop Auckland Rugby Club from Thursday 21st to Monday 25th August 2025.
The event will include a Light Parade, Parade of Nations, Trade Stands, Skilled Rider Competition, Organised Runs Out, Live Bands, Disco and *Raffle.
Friday 22nd August 2025
The Friday night theme is Goths and Steampunk.
8pm – Meet the riders and bikes in the Bishop Auckland Market Place.
9pm – Goldwing Light Parade leaving Bishop Auckland Market Place – The run is expected to take approximately 30 minutes.
Saturday 23rd August 2025
The Parade of Nations leaving Bishop Auckland Rugby Club at 5pm.

For further information on this event and the latest updates visit the GOCOGB website and GOCOGB Facebook pages, or contact the event organisers via the contact details on the flyer below.
*A proportion of the fundraising from the Raffle will be helping to support the Mayor’s Charity in aid of the Butterwick Hospice, Bishop Auckland.

Website: https://www.gwocgb.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gwocgb

Street Food Market
2025-08-29 16:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-26 16:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Auckland Market Place, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NP, United Kingdom
Come along on the last Friday of every month during March to October 2025, for the Street Food Market held in Bishop Auckland Market Place from 4pm until 9pm.
Baccanalia CIC and Bridge Creative CIC as the event organisers, with support from Bishop Auckland Town Council continue to create markets that celebrate local businesses and artisans, whilst helping to drive footfall to the town centre and foster a sense of pride in the community.
Visit the Street Food Market – Bishop Auckland Facebook page for the latest news and updates.

Other Street Food Markets hosted by the event organisers:
Aycliffe: www.facebook.com/AycliffeStreetFoodMarket
Stanley: www.facebook.com/StanleyStreetFoodMarket

Policy and Resources Committee
2025-09-02 17:00 - 18:30, 2025-10-07 16:30 - 18:30 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom

Community Committee
2025-09-02 18:30 - 19:30 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom

Young Artists’ Club
2025-09-04 16:00 - 17:30 | No. 42 – Market Place, No. 42, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7PB, United Kingdom
Each month at No. 42, Bishop Auckland, young artists get together to learn new techniques, discover the works of great artists throughout history, and create their own pieces of art.
Suitable for all abilities.
4th September 2025
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Young Artists club is becoming weekly from September!
Booking is required, however admission is free.
To book and for further information visit The Auckland Project website.
Young Artists’ Club

Allotment and Environment Committee
2025-09-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom

Town Council Meeting
2025-09-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom

Heritage Fayre, Bishop Auckland
2025-09-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7NP, United Kingdom
Local History and Heritage Displays in Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Saturday 27th September 2025 from 10am-3pm.
Guest Speakers
10:30am Frances Wilson – The Story of Crimdon Dene.
12:00pm Harry Harbottle – A Miners Story by Greg McCormack.
1:30pm Glynn Wales – The Anglo-Saxon Church at Escomb.
Car Show from the Northern Bygone Society.
Activity for the younger ones with Wade Forster.
The Annual Horticulture Show will take place on the Palace Green at Auckland Castle between 12pm-4pm.
A copy of the Heritage Fayre flyer is below:

Allotment and Environment Committee
2025-10-07 18:30 - 19:30 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom
This meeting will begin with a Welcome and Introduction, followed by the Presentation of Allotment Awards 2025.
After the presentations, the Committee will continue with the remaining business on the Agenda.

Films at the Hearth Presents: Family Fright Fest
2025-10-19 15:00 - 19:00 | No.1 – Market Place, 1 Market Place, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7NJ, United Kingdom
Family Fright Fest at The Hearth!
Come along on Sunday 19 October 2025 for a spooky double bill of films at The Hearth.

3.00pm – The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG)
5.30pm – Ghostbusters (12A)

Two cult classics, one cosy afternoon of Halloween fun! With themed snacks, seasonal surprises, and a relaxed, cinema-style setting perfect for all ages.
Free. No booking required.
Upper floor, The Hearth, No. 1 Market Place, Bishop Auckland (Access by stairs only)
Bring your family, grab a treat, and get into the spooky spirit with The Hearth.

Allotment and Environment Committee (Extra Ordinary Meeting)
2025-10-21 04:00 - 17:30 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom
An Extra Ordinary Meeting of Allotment and Environment Committee is to be held on Tuesday 21st October 2025 at 4.00pm.
The Meeting will take place at the Town Council Offices, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7JF.
The Chairman advises members of the Council and the public that the meeting or part of the meeting may be recorded by audio and may be by video.

Cancelled: Recycled Bottle Lantern Workshop (Free)
2025-10-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom
Update: Please note that this workshop has been cancelled – Apologies for any inconvenience.
People of all ages are invited to book a place on the recycled bottle making workshop. Lanterns will be made ready for everyone to join the Christmas Town parade on Friday 5th December and show off their lanterns, enjoy the atmosphere and make fabulous memories.
The Community are welcome to participate in the parade, to join in you can attend a Free lantern making workshop on the following date:

Saturday 25th October 2025, 10am-12pm, Recycled Bottle Lantern Making at the Town Council Offices, Kingsway, Bishop Auckland (Half term)

There are other lantern making session to be held on:

Tuesday 28th October 2025, 1-3pm, Willow Lantern making, held at No. 42, Market Place Bishop Auckland (Half Term)
Saturday 22nd November 2025, 10am-12pm, Recycled Bottle Lantern Making at the Town Council Offices, Kingsway, Bishop Auckland

Please only book to attend one of these sessions if you are able to join in the parade on Friday 5th December 2025, as places are limited.

Booking is required, so please book your session in advance. To book your session, complete this Microsoft Form:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_WJPd-F-EUKeUH8wBchQ3-LCURFUtUFFuoM3nIz3CvdUOFZTSEVXRlpVNjM2SE5aTksyVzVLSzYzSi4u
Alternatively, please contact 01388 207110 or email council@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk
All ages welcome, please note that children must be supervised at sessions.

Allotment and Environment Committee (Extra Ordinary Meeting)
2025-10-28 05:00 - 18:00 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom
An extra ordinary meeting of Allotment and Environment Committee is to be held on Tuesday 28 October 2025 at 5.00pm.
The Meeting will take place at Town Council Offices, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7JF.
This is a single item agenda that excludes the press and public.
—
Exclusion of Press and Public In accordance with the provisions of Section 1 of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, as amended by Section 100 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council do now exclude the press and public for the remaining item on the agenda by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted since publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest.

Willow Lantern Workshop (Free)
2025-10-28 13:00 - 15:00 | No. 42 – Market Place, No. 42, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7PB, United Kingdom
People of all ages are invited to book a place on the recycled bottle making workshop. Lanterns will be made ready for everyone to join the Christmas Town parade on Friday 5th December and show off their lanterns, enjoy the atmosphere and make fabulous memories.
The Community are welcome to participate in the parade, to join in you can attend a Free lantern making workshop on the following date:

Tuesday 28th October 2025, 1-3pm, Willow Lantern making, held at No. 42, Market Place Bishop Auckland (Half Term)

There is one more recycled bottle lantern making session to be held on:

Saturday 22nd November 2025, 10am-12pm, Recycled Bottle Lantern Making at the Town Council Offices, Kingsway, Bishop Auckland

Please only book to attend one of these sessions if you are able to join in the parade on Friday 5th December 2025, as places are limited.

Booking is required, so please book your session in advance. To book your session, complete this Microsoft Form:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_WJPd-F-EUKeUH8wBchQ3-LCURFUtUFFuoM3nIz3CvdUOFZTSEVXRlpVNjM2SE5aTksyVzVLSzYzSi4u
Alternatively, please contact 01388 207110 or email council@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk
All ages welcome, please note that children must be supervised at sessions.

Town Council Meeting
2025-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom
The next meeting of the Town Council is to be held on Tuesday 28th October 2025 at 6:00pm.
The Meeting will take place at the Town Council Offices, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7JF.
The Chairman advises members of the Council and the public that the meeting or part of the meeting may be recorded by audio and may be by video.

WCVAG Spooky Halloween Event 2025
2025-10-31 13:00 - 15:00 | England
Wear Valley Community Action Group (WVCAG)
Spooky Halloween Event
Friday 31st October 2025
1pm – 3pm
Venue: Auckland Youth Community Centre, Walker Drive, Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham DL14 6QL
Disco, Games & Raffle
Children Receive Pop, Crisps & Sweets
Hotdogs & Refreshments on Sale
Fancy Dress Costume Competition
Children £2.50 Per Ticket.
Adult £1 Per Ticket.
All Children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Everyone needs a ticket to attend.

Event contacts
Wear Valley Community Action Group Facebook page.
Lesley Mobile – 07891 082168 to book tickets. (Text Message Only)

Street Food Market - Halloween Special 2025
2025-10-31 16:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Auckland Market Place, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NP, United Kingdom
We cannot wait to see you all on Friday 31st October 2025 for the Street Food Market – Bishop Auckland Halloween Special in Bishop Auckland Market Place between 4pm – 9pm.

Enjoy delicious food, sweet treats and fire performer, who will be entertaining throughout the evening.
Performances every hour from 5pm until 8pm.
Come along in your spooky best and enjoy the final Street Food Market of 2025!

Visit the Street Food Market – Bishop Auckland Facebook page for the latest news and updates.

Come along on the last Friday of every month during March to October 2025, for the Street Food Market held in Bishop Auckland Market Place from 4pm until 9pm.
Baccanalia CIC and Bridge Creative CIC as the event organisers, with support from Bishop Auckland Town Council continue to create markets that celebrate local businesses and artisans, whilst helping to drive footfall to the town centre and foster a sense of pride in the community.
Visit the Street Food Market – Bishop Auckland Facebook page for the latest news and updates.

Other Street Food Markets hosted by the event organisers:
Aycliffe: www.facebook.com/AycliffeStreetFoodMarket
Stanley: www.facebook.com/StanleyStreetFoodMarket

Bishop Auckland Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society - Late Chrysanthemum Show 2025
2025-11-02 14:00 - 16:00 | England
Bishop Auckland Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society’s Late Chrysanthemum Show is to be held on Sunday 2nd November 2025.
Venue: The Scouts Centre, Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham DL14 7JN
Event is open to the public from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

Bishop Auckland C&D Society

Bishop Gateway: Public Information Event
2025-11-04 15:00 - 19:00 | England
Bishop Auckland is set to take another major step forward in its transformation into a world-class visitor destination, with plans for the proposed Bishop Gateway road scheme being shared at a public information event on Tuesday 4 November 2025.
Led by The Auckland Project and 11Arches (creators of Kynren), in partnership with Durham County Council and the Bishop Auckland Stronger Towns Board, Bishop Gateway is a cornerstone of the wider regeneration programme shaping Bishop Auckland’s bright future.
The drop-in event, taking place from 3pm to 7pm at No. 43 Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7PB, will showcase how the proposed new road will manage future visitor access to the town, connect key attractions, and help drive future economic growth across County Durham.
All are welcome to attend and find out more about how this transformational project will support the town’s continuing regeneration.
Further information is available on the Bishop Auckland Regeneration website.

Bishop Gateway: powering the next phase of Bishop Auckland’s regeneration

Policy and Resources Committee
2025-11-04 16:30 - 18:30 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom
The next meeting of Bishop Auckland Town Council Policy and Resources Committee is to be held on Tuesday 4th November 2025 at 4.30pm, the Town Council Offices, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland.
It is requested that attendance needs to be registered with the Town Clerk prior to attending to ensure that the meeting space is large enough to accommodate everyone safely. To register attendance please call 01388 207110 or email council@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk by noon on Monday 3rd November 2025.
The Chairman advises members of the Council and the public that the meeting or part of the meeting may be recorded by audio and may be by video.

Community Committee
2025-11-04 18:30 - 19:30 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom
The Next meeting of the Bishop Auckland Town Council Community Committee is to be held on Tuesday 4th November 2025 at 6:30pm, at the Town Council Offices, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland.
This meeting follows the 4:30pm Policy and Resources Committee.
It is requested that attendance needs to be registered with the Town Clerk prior to attending to ensure that the meeting space is large enough to accommodate everyone safely. To register attendance please call 01388 207110 or email council@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk by noon on Monday 3rd November 2025.
The Chairman advises members of the Council and the public that the meeting or part of the meeting may be recorded by audio and may be by video.

WVCAG Christmas Fair 2025
2025-11-08 11:00 - 14:00 | England
Come along and join the Wear Valley Community Action Group (WVCAG) for their Christmas Fair on Saturday 8th November 2025. 11am-2pm.
Venue: Auckland Youth and Community Centre (AYCC), Walker Drive, Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham DL14 6QL

Gift Stalls.
Free Face Painting.
Free Crafts for Children.
Food and Refreshments available.
Raffle Tombola & More.

Santa with a Gift – Tickets Only £1 Each.
Please contact Lesley at WVCAG on 07891 082168 to book tickets. (Text Message Only)
Facebook: Wear Valley Community Action Group

Annual Remembrance Parade and Service
2025-11-09 10:40 - 12:00 | Bishop Auckland Market Place, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NP, United Kingdom
Annual Remembrance Parade and Service will take place at the War Memorial in the Market Place, Bishop Auckland at 10.45am on Sunday 9th November 2025.
The Parade will muster at the Newgate Centre Entrance from 10.30am, and will parade in time to join the service.
Following the acts of remembrance there will be a service in St Anne’s Church.
All are welcome to attend.
Poster advising that annual remembrance parade will take place at 10.45am on 9th November 2025

Environment Working Group Session
2025-11-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom
Interested in gardening and the environment?
The Town Council are hosting a community evening to explore environmental priorities, planting projects, and ideas for collaboration for their environmental working group.
All are welcome to attend.
To register telephone 01388 207110 or email council@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk

05/11/2025 News article:
Bishop Auckland has truly bloomed in 2025, thanks to a series of vibrant environmental initiatives led by the Town Council. From the eye-catching community hanging basket project—which saw residents replant every basket along Newgate Street—to the Council-funded floral displays in the Market Place, town centre, and Bob Hardisty Drive, the town has been transformed with colour and care. These efforts have not only brightened public spaces but also supported pollinators and boosted local pride, with blooms lasting into late October thanks to a glorious summer.
The town’s floral success was also recognised in this year’s Northumbria in Bloom Awards, where Bishop Auckland received a Silver Gilt Award. The Auckland Project earned Gold Awards for both the Auckland Palace Grounds and Walled Garden in the Tourist and Visitor Attractions and Country Estates category, while Kynren (Eleven Arches) received a Gold Award for Conservation.
In a show of grassroots support, the Council continues to back Cultivate4Life, offering allotment space to grow, educate, and inspire. This small gesture has had a big impact—nurturing wellbeing, food sustainability, and community connection. Cultivate4Life was also recognised at Northumbria in Bloom, receiving a Level 4 – Thriving award in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category. The Council hopes its own allotment sites will gain further recognition in future years.
Cllr Michael Siddle, Chair of the Allotments and Environment Committee, said:
“Together, we’re planting the seeds for a greener, more vibrant future. The Council is keen to bring together groups and individuals who want to improve our town’s spaces—we all want to live in a beautiful environment. The community planting of the hanging baskets was a great success, and we’re exploring ways to expand this participation. By connecting established groups like Green Matters and In Bloom with active individuals, we can make a real difference. Working collectively under one umbrella will help improve communication, build stronger networks, and overcome the barriers that often hold back good community intentions.”
To build on this momentum, the Town Council are hosting a community evening to explore environmental priorities, planting projects, and ideas for collaboration.
All are welcome.

Recycled Bottle Lantern Workshop (Free)
2025-11-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, England, DL14 7JF, United Kingdom
People of all ages are invited to book a place on the recycled bottle making workshop. Lanterns will be made ready for everyone to join the Christmas Town parade on Friday 5th December and show off their lanterns, enjoy the atmosphere and make fabulous memories.
The Community are welcome to participate in the parade, to join in you can attend a Free lantern making workshop on the following date:

Saturday 22nd November 2025, 10am-12pm, Recycled Bottle Lantern Making at the Town Council Offices, Kingsway, Bishop Auckland

Please only book to attend this session if you are able to join in the parade on Friday 5th December 2025, as places are limited.

Booking is required, so please book your session in advance. To book your session, complete this Microsoft Form:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_WJPd-F-EUKeUH8wBchQ3-LCURFUtUFFuoM3nIz3CvdUOFZTSEVXRlpVNjM2SE5aTksyVzVLSzYzSi4u
Alternatively, please contact 01388 207110 or email council@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk
All ages welcome, please note that children must be supervised at sessions.
