The new academic year is upon us, and we’re ready and raring to go with some events you won’t want to miss out on.
The next few months promise a spectrum of performances, workshops and hands-on experiences. You can enjoy getting up close and personal with a range of unusual animals, or marvel in the all-enveloping soundscapes created by large-scale choruses. We take pleasure in inviting you, the general public, to come and join us.
We’ve selected a few highlights from across our visitor attractions and performing arts societies to whet your appetite. Check out full details through the links at the bottom of this article.
First up is the side-splitting Durham Revue, fresh from winning the Best Sketch Comedy Group Derek Award at the Edinburgh Fringe over the summer. The troupe will be at the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre on Saturday 11 October to perform ‘Sketch Marks the Spot’.
We move to our Oriental Museum for Diwali, Festival of Lights, on Saturday 18 October – you can read more about this here.
For school half term, on Saturday 25 October, we welcome all animal lovers to our Botanic Garden. A range of creatures from cute and fluffy, to scaly and scary will be waiting to meet you. Our annual free family science festival, 'Celebrate Science' also returns from Tuesday 28 October at a new venue - Locomotion in Shildon.
And what would October be without something terrifying for Halloween? Have your broomsticks at the ready on Wednesday 29 October for some special spooky tours of Durham Castle. Children and their adults will have the chance to explore the Castle’s dark history and have fun with themed crafts and activities.
Lastly, you can catch ongoing exhibition ‘Journey of a Century: From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum’ at our Oriental Museum until Sunday 31 May 2026. This exhibition marks the centenary of China's prestigious Palace Museum, and you can read more here.
On Saturday 1 November renowned archaeological illustrator Mark Hoyle kicks off a series of hands-on workshops at our Museum of Archaeology. ‘Saturday Archaeological Illustration Club’ sessions are open to beginners or experienced artists alike.
Get yourself into the festive spirit with our ‘Shimmering Snowflakes’ workshop at the Oriental Museum on Saturday 8 November. Artist Sarah Dodds will be on hand as you make three glittering snowflakes using wire forms and a variety of beads. Please note, there is a lower age limit of 18 years old.
The brooding ‘Sweeney Todd’ follows from Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 November at the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre. Watch as Durham University Light Opera Group tells a tale of blood-soaked Victorian horrors.
On Wednesday 19 November we welcome Tim Burke, Musical Director of the Royal Northern Sinfonia Chorus, as he takes the reins of Durham University Choral Society. Join the 120 young singers for their first concert under his baton in Newcastle Cathedral performing ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
For something a little more light-hearted, Durham University Classical Theatre stages ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ from Thursday 27 – Saturday 29 November. Take delight in an evening of wit and whimsy in this brilliant comedy of manners.
As we see out the final days of autumn, come along to a Festive Wreath Making Workshop on Sunday 30 November at the Botanic Garden with Master Florist, Sue Elsdon.
Finally on Friday 5 December, Durham University Big Band and Jazz Orchestra welcome you to ‘Jazzy Christmas’ at the Pitmen’s Parliament in Redhills Miners’ Hall. This is an annual favourite which sells out at least a month in advance. Book quickly to avoid missing the biggest night of toe-tapping in the University jazz calendar.
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