Heritage Festival 2023

The fifth annual Heritage Festival in Bishop Auckland during September 2023.

The festival included a series of interesting talks, walks and local history displays.

Heritage Festival Talks

Bryan Harris describes the Bishop Auckland Conservation Areas

Bryan talks about the recent local listing project in Bishop Auckland, which allowed local schools, businesses, residents and groups to identify the town’s heritage that may usually be overlooked.

Tony Nicholson – Treasures in the Attic

In 2000, Tony Nicholson’s attic yielded an astonishing discovery: a cache of Victorian photographs and letters inside a bird’s nest. Among them was one describing a ‘vile woman’ ensnaring a man—a catalyst for a captivating journey.

Wor Bella by Ed Waugh

Ed Waugh is the writer of the play Wor Bella, about North East women’s football during WW1. Wor Bella toured north of the region in March/April 2022 to much acclaim and will transfer to London before the 1200-seat Newcastle Theatre Royal for three performances in April 2024.

Listen Again

Classic cars at 2023 Heritage Festival with Northern Bygones

We speak to the organiser of the classic and vintage car display at the 2023 Heritage Festival in Bishop Auckland Market Place.

Bishop Auckland FC shop and museum at the Heritage Festival

We hear about the Bishop Auckland FC shop and musuem as part of the 2023 Heritage Festival.

Sharing heritage and history with Hartlepool Headland History Group

Hartlepool Headland History Group tell us about their activities, events with talks and Facebook page.

Remembering 50’s and 60’s football with Durham Amateur Football Trust

Talking about local football history with John Phelan from Durham Amateur Football Trust.

Bishop Auckland Mayor Cllr Sam Zair at the 2023 Heritage Festival

We speak to Cllr Sam Zair, Mayor of Bishop Auckland, about the Heritage Festival and history events in the town.

Celebrating football heritage with art work

Alastair tells us about No More Nowt and the creation of art work to celebrate local football history and men’s mental health.

Tracing family history with Northumberland and Durham Family History Society

We hear about tracing family history and virtual events with Joyce from Northumberland and Durham Family History Society.

Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland

Bob McManners and Gillian Wales tell us about the Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland and the Zurbaran paintings.

Ebchester Roman Fort with the Friends of Vindomora

The Friends of Vindomora are looking at the Roman Fort in Ebchester, County Durham. Marion tells us more about the group.

Bringing local history groups together in County Durham

County Durham Forum for History and Heritage is a networking group that individuals and organisations can join. Marian Morrison, Chair of the group, tells us more.

Women of the Durham Coalfield

Author Margaret Hedley has written Women of the Durham Coalfield in the 19th Century: Hannah’s Story. Margaret also tells us about Wheatley Hill History Club and the latest project about Peterlee.

Researching war memorials in the North East

A website where people can search for details about war memorials has been created by the North East War Memorials Project.

Archaeology activities for young people

We hear about the Young Archaeologists’ Club in the North East and the activities that take place at No. 42 in the Market Place, Bishop Auckland.

The Story at Mount Oswald

The Story at Mount Oswald will be a new history centre and registration service in County Durham. Steph gives us an update on the project.