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Durham crowned UK's most festive city
Plus Hardwick Festival lineup announced, Durham's top nature spots, the Flying Scotsman arrives in Durham and more!
Stephen
December 18, 2023 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
Good morning, Durham! With only a week until Christmas, the festive spirit is truly in the air! Have you bought all your presents yet? Neither have I.
In today’s newsletter:
Durham crowned UK’s most festive city
Hardwick Festival’s 10th anniversary lineup announced
Our list of Co Durham’s top nature spots
The Flying Scotsman makes its grand finale in Durham
And much more!
Let’s get to it.
— Stephen Davies
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🎄 Festive furore: Durham crowned UK's most festive city
Image: Stevie Landscapes Photography
It's official. Durham has been crowned the most festive city in the UK! This yuletide accolade comes after a comprehensive analysis of over 150 years of historical newspaper data. Our beloved Durham City tops the list, outshining other famous cities with its rich Christmas traditions, including Cambridge, York, Bath, and London.
This recognition is a testament to the city's deep-rooted and vibrant history and the genuine Christmas spirit that defines its streets every year. Another accolade to be proud of so bask in the glow of being the UK’s most festive city! Get the details here.
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THE DIGEST
Hardwick Festival’s 10th-anniversary star-studded lineup announced
Hardwick Hall unveiled an electrifying lineup for the 10th anniversary of the Hardwick Festival, set to take the stage from 16 to 18 August 2024.
This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular event, featuring headliners Becky Hill on Friday, Snow Patrol on Saturday, and Richard Ashcroft closing the festival on Sunday. Full lineup below and more details here.
Eager to explore the breathtaking natural beauty right on your doorstep? Our latest article on Durham’s best nature spots might be one for you. From the rugged coastline of Durham Heritage Coast to the serene paths of Castle Eden Dene, this guide is your ticket to discovering the county's most awe-inspiring landscapes.
Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, County Durham's most stunning natural spots are always a delight.
Read the list of Durham’s best nature spots here.
Flying Scotsman makes grand finale in County Durham 🚂
Durham's railway enthusiasts and history buffs are in for a treat as the legendary Flying Scotsman graces our county. The iconic locomotive, a jewel in Britain's railway crown, has completed its momentous 2023 centenary tour with a final stop at Shildon's Locomotion museum.
A marvel of engineering, the Flying Scotsman is a symbol of the golden age of steam. It’s famous for being the first to break the 100 mph barrier and has clocked over two million miles in its lifetime, including voyages to Canada, the US, and Australia.
Whether you're a steam enthusiast or just curious about this chapter of our national story, the Flying Scotsman promises a glimpse into a bygone era of elegance and ingenuity. Buy your tickets here.
WEATHER
This week, the weather decides to turn up the thermostat a notch but adds a twist with some lively wind later in the week. So, dress in layers, secure your headgear, and maybe keep a kite in your bag for good measure.
Monday
13 🌡️ 5 | ☁️ | 💨 SW 11 mph
Tuesday
8 🌡️ 4 | ☀️ | 💨 W 11 mph
Wednesday
9 🌡️ 6 | ☁️ | 💨 W 13 mph
Thursday
10 🌡️ 4 | ☁️ | 💨 WNW 19 mph
Friday
8🌡️ 4 | ☁️ | 💨 W 17 mph
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Ushaw House hosts the Diocesan Choir for a night of Christmas cheer
Ushaw House is set to host a special Christmas Carols event with the Diocesan Choir of Hexham & Newcastle on 20th December. This festive occasion, taking place in the beautiful setting of St Cuthbert's Chapel, promises a powerful and soul-stirring performance, inviting guests to sing along and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Along with the enchanting carols, you can sip mulled wine and indulge in festive mince pies, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. This event is an ideal event for families and music enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the joy and warmth of Yuletide. Tickets can be bought here.
The Durham Beer Off at Lumley Castle announced for 2024 🍻
Get ready to raise a glass at the Durham Beer Off, set to light up Lumley Castle with local brews and lively tunes on 24 February next year. This beer extravaganza features over 20 delightful Durham beers from 10 local breweries.
Join fellow beer aficionados in sampling, comparing, and voting for your top tipple. But it's not all hops and barley – the event celebrates Durham culture with live music from local talents, plus, a smorgasbord of food options awaits, from a hearty hog roast to tasty vegetarian dishes.
Enjoy a full day of beer appreciation, complete with 'Beer Talks' from brewing experts. Tickets at £15 include two beers, promising a day of fun, flavour, and local pride. More details here.
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
Durham University leads by example with prestigious award
Durham University has been named 'Business of the Year' at the County Durham Together Awards, a testament to their outstanding volunteering and outreach efforts.
From beach clean-ups to supporting over 70 charities, the university community has dedicated over 22,800 hours to making a difference. Find out how they're shaping minds and the local community for the better. Find out more.
Get a taste of history at Durham Cathedral with its new gin offering
Exciting news for gin enthusiasts and history buffs alike! Durham Cathedral's gift shop has just unveiled its latest treasure - Monks' Gin. Crafted in partnership with Durham Distillery, this unique gin is a delightful blend of history and flavour. Inspired by botanicals used by monks in the 14th and 15th centuries and rooted in the cathedral's rich heritage, Monks' Gin is a perfect fusion of past and present. It will make a great Christmas present too. Find out more.
County Durham Council's economic strategy in focus
The Northern Echo recently featured an article by County Durham Council outlining their Inclusive Economic Strategy. This plan sets out the Council's approach to enhancing the county's economic landscape, aiming to foster a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
Key initiatives include developing local talent through training programmes, supporting business innovation, and making strategic investments in significant sites like NETPark. The strategy, extending to 2035, is an extensive framework for the county's economic development. For a detailed understanding of what this means for County Durham, read the full article here.
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THANKS!
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