What's On In Durham

Durham Market 175 Anniversary Weekender. Step Back in Time: Durham’s Decades Festival Weekend!
Get ready to experience history like never before! Durham Market Place is transforming into a vibrant, bustling festival celebrating our city’s incredible past, present, and future.

From interactive history camps to live music and family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone. Here is your ultimate guide to the weekend lineup:

Friday, May 22: Heritage & History
The festival kicks off with a deep dive into Durham’s rich heritage. Expect powerful military displays, historical reenactments, and fantastic live performances.

Living History Camp: Meet the East India Company Living History group! Get up close and personal with history through Victorian displays, military drills, and cartridge-making demonstrations.

Live Performances: Enjoy live sets from Paul Skerritt, the Cleveland Pipe Band, and 4 Decades.

Saturday, May 23: Music, Dance & Tradition
Saturday brings a lively mix of entertainment spanning different eras, featuring a special appearance by the Mayor of Durham.

Music & Dance Lineup: Catch incredible performances by The Auckland Shanty Singers, The Quay Notes, Tyneside Irish Dance, Du Flute Choir, and Aydan Gargett.

Sunday, May 24: Ultimate Family Day
We are wrapping up the weekend with a full day of family-focused fun, interactive workshops, and great music.

Live Performances: Music from 4 Decades, Charlie Boy Sings, Durham Harmonics, and Ben Hannington.

All-Day Fun: Explore bustling market stalls, interact with walkabout characters, and let the kids dive into specialised children’s activities and history workshops.

Through the Decades” Fancy Dress Competition!
Show off your vintage style! Visitors of all ages are invited to dress up as their favourite historical era. Whether you’re feeling Victorian, rocking the swinging ’60s, or channelling any era in between, come ready to impress.
https://www.whatsonindurham.com/event/durham-market-175-anniversary-weekender/

Just across the county border is a national event! Open to anyone with a connection to the forces or blue light services and wanting to network and mingle on the day. This includes families and veterans, regular and reservist personnel, cadets and students.

Go to the website at www.nafese2023.com where there is a link to sign up on Eventbrite or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

https://www.whatsonindurham.com/event/national-armed-forces-emergency-services-event-2026/

Armed Forces Events | National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Event 2023 The first event celebrating the services of the Armed Forces and Emergency Services. Taking place at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland on Thursday April 27.

MAY we tell you What's On In Durham in May!
From TranSPORT to SPORT, Eeating and DrinKING to walKING! there's plenty to do!

https://www.whatsonindurham.com/whats-on-in-durham-may-2026-events-days-out-local-ideas/

DEC. MAKING JOB FAIRS FAIRER!
Job fairs can be overwhelming, especially if anxiety, stress or sensory overload gets in the way of showing what you can really do.
That’s why Durham Employment Connections (DEC) is running a high-support Spring Job Fair on 30 April 2026 with employers who are actively recruiting, and in many cases interviewing on the day.
Support on the day includes:

 Help with transport (ask your employment support advisor)
 Support to get through the door if it feels daunting
 Calm, in-the-moment “soft reset” support if you feel overwhelmed
 A focus on helping candidates go from “overwhelmed” to “hired”
 Quiet Hour (1:30 pm–2:30 pm): a calmer, low-stimulus final hour with fewer people and no loud announcements.

Where: Jeff Cooke Suite, Banks Homes Cricket Ground (Durham County Cricket)

When: 30 April 2026, 9:30 am–2:30 pm

If you know someone who avoids job fairs because they feel too much — please share this.

Only a few days of the Easter holidays left, but there’s still plenty to do across County Durham.
If you’re looking for one more family day out before school starts again, we’ve rounded up some great options, including Adventure Valley, Beamish, Raby Castle, Locomotion, Durham Cathedral, Diggerland and more.
Have a read and see what could make the last few days of the break feel a bit special. https://www.whatsonindurham.com/county-durham-heres-what-families-can-still-do/

Family Fun Day - KIDS GO FREE Bring the family for a fab day out in Easter Half Term - as well as exciting jump racing, there will be a range of family entertainment, making it a great day out for all ages. What's On In Durham https://www.whatsonindurham.com/event/family-fun-raceday/