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The year of the dragon in Durham
Plus The Big Help Out, new food festival announced, Durham City Run Festival is back and much more!
Stephen
February 05, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes
Good morning, Durham! Now we’re past one whole month in 2024 how are those New Year resolutions going?
In today’s Durham Scoop:
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Durham
The Big Help Out returns
Bishop Auckland food festival announced
Durham City Run Festival is back
Lots of positive business news
And much more!
Let’s get to it.
— Stephen
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Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in Durham 🐉
Durham is all set to welcome the Chinese New Year with a day full of festivities on 10th February. From the mesmerising lion dance parading through the city streets to hands-on craft activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Take part in Chinese culture with calligraphy, origami, and even tai chi demonstrations across various venues including Clayport Library and Durham's Oriental Museum.
Plus, don’t miss the unique performances showcasing traditional Chinese costumes and music at Dunelm House. Bring in the Year of the Dragon 🐉 with fun, learning, and community spirit.
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THE DIGEST
New chapter for Seaham's social scene
Seaham's nightlife just got a fresh twist with the re-opening of The Printworks Cocktail Bar & Lounge on Stockton Road. Transforming from its previous life as The Ranch Meat House, this spot now boasts a sleek makeover and a selection of 45 cocktails, alongside draught beer, wines, and spirits.
With a cosy, dog-friendly atmosphere, plush seating, and plans for live music featuring local talent, The Printworks promises a mix of relaxed vibes and sophisticated sipping. Check out Seaham's newest haunt for a taste of something new.
Durham to celebrate women's crucial role in the 40th anniversary of the Miners' Strike
On 2nd March, Durham will host an event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Miners' Strike, highlighting the pivotal role women played in this historical movement. The day will feature a mix of speeches, music, film, and poetry at Dunelm House, alongside a parade showcasing banners created by women during the strike.
The event intends to celebrate the resilience and solidarity of those who fought to save jobs and communities and to serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the mining communities in County Durham. Attendees can expect an emotional journey back to the days of 1984-85, with activities aimed at honouring the legacy of those who stood firm in the face of adversity.
WEATHER
The weather is keeping us on our toes this week. Clouds are gathering, with temperatures flirting with both sides of zero. It's a mix of chilly breezes, occasional rain, and overcast skies, hinting at a need for both umbrellas and warm layers.
Monday, 5th Feb: Max Temp: 11°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 8°C | 🌥️ Cloudy
Tuesday, 6th Feb: Max Temp: 11°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 1°C | 🌧️ Light rain changing to cloudy by early evening
Wednesday, 7th Feb: Max Temp: 5°C 🌡️ Min Temp: -1°C | 🌥️ Cloudy
Thursday, 8th Feb: Max Temp: 6°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 3°C | 🌧️ Cloudy turning to light rain by nighttime
Friday, 9th Feb: Max Temp: 6°C 🌡️ Min Temp: 2°C | 🌦️ Light rain changing to overcast by early evening
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
The Big Help Out returns in June
The local volunteer effort, The Big Help Out, is returning in June. Last year this inspired a huge volunteer effort from residents in Durham giving time and support to worthy causes. This included helping the Wear Rivers Trust to improve our riverbanks, St Nics Durham to improve their churchyard at the Sands and much more. Organisers plan to make this year even bigger.
The objective of The Big Help Out is to raise awareness of volunteering throughout the UK and provide opportunities for people to experience volunteering and make a difference in their communities.
Image via Facebook
Bishop Auckland food festival unveils star-studded chef lineup
Get ready for a flavour-packed weekend because the Bishop Auckland Food Festival is back on 20-21 April, and it's bringing some big names in the food world to our doorstep. This year’s lineup includes the dynamic duo BOSH! (Henry Firth and Ian Theasby), famed for their mouthwatering vegan creations, alongside the culinary talents of Marcus Bean and Great British Bake Off’s very own Dan Hunter.
With last year's event drawing in an impressive crowd of around 28,000 visitors, this year promises even more delicious delights, fantastic entertainment, and, of course, cookery magic from our celebrity chefs. Whether you're a vegan food enthusiast or just love to eat and explore new tastes, this is the event you won't want to miss.
For the latest updates, follow the festival at www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk and keep an eye on their social channels.
Durham City Run Festival is back 🏃♀️
Get ready to lace up your trainers and mark your calendars for 18-20 July, because the Durham City Run Festival is back and it's set to be the most thrilling one yet
This year, they’re shaking things up with brand new routes that will have you starting at the Radisson Blu and crossing the finish line at the glorious Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site.
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just kicking off your running journey, there's something for everyone, including the classic 5K and 10K races and more! Special discounted prices are available until 29 February. Find out more.
DURHAM BUSINESS NEWS
Durham leads charge in new business growth 🚀
2023 marked a year of unprecedented business growth in Durham. With a significant 11.5% increase from the previous year, the county welcomed 5,696 new businesses, pushing the total to an all-time high of 37,332 registered companies.
This surge highlights Durham's robust entrepreneurial spirit and its resilience in the face of economic challenges. The region's performance is a key contributor to the UK's record-breaking year for company formations, underscoring the vital role of Durham's entrepreneurs in the North East economy. Read more.
Durham gets pioneering Cybersecurity Innovation Centre go-ahead
Durham and Newcastle are set to become home to two pioneering cybersecurity innovation centres, thanks to a boost from Government funds. This initiative, led by CyberNorth in collaboration with Atom Bank and floe, aims to support emerging cybersecurity businesses with a comprehensive six-month package, including business incubation and skills development.
These centres promise to turbocharge the region's cybersecurity scene, fostering new talent and innovation. A digital future is on the horizon, and it's looking bright for our region. Read more.
Durham's economic horizon brightens with £23m boost
Durham business parks, Aykley Heads and NETPark, are on the receiving end of a significant financial boost, thanks to a £23m devolution funding package aimed at propelling economic growth.
This investment marks a key milestone in leveraging the region's potential through the upcoming devolution deal, laying down the groundwork for an economic upswing that promises to benefit the entire community. With construction set to kick off this spring, Durham is poised to enhance its standing as a hub for innovation and business excellence. Read more.
EXTRA SPRINKLES
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
Monday 5th
Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th
Friday 9th
The Forum - RnB Club | Robin Bibi Band - 7:30 pm (tickets)
The Fire Station - The Tap Factory - 7:30 pm (tickets)
The White Room - The Very Acoustic Caffreys - 7:45 pm (tickets)
The Flass Inn - Gin & Juice Live - 8 pm (more info)
Katie O’brien’s Irish Tavern - Kieren Hooper (more info)
Loft Durham - Snafu & Percalate - 9 pm (tickets)
Saturday 10th
THANKS!
Thanks for reading Durham Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who was born in the Year of the Dragon.
