July sees SPYS performing Peter Pan. This enchanting new version of JM Barrie’s perennial favourite sees the group tackling a musical for the first time. Chasing his runaway shadow, a mischievous young boy who will never grow up crash lands through an open window and meets a headstrong young girl who is desperate to be an adult. Peter, played by Charlie Lines, teaches Wendy and her brothers how to fly to the magical island of Neverland.

With a sprinkle of fairy dust, they take flight on a whirlwind voyage over pirate ships, through mermaid lagoons and into the heart of Neverland. Here Wendy (Sophie Wilson), finds herself befriending the Lost Boys, including Tinker Bell, played by Grace Stanley and Tiger Lily, played by Evie Legender. The pirates are led by Ace as Captain Hook and George Nott as Smee. Both are seasoned members of the group and bring their years of experience to the stage.

TThe audience will be immersed in the show with some action taking place on the floor, with new lights and effects thanks to funding from the Area Action Partnership and the County Durham Community Foundation.

This truly wonderful show is being performed in the Parish Hall on 12 & 13 July 2024. Tickets £10 from Tickety Boo or ticketsource.co.uk.

The famous Durham Brass Festival returns in July with free events around the county as well as in Durham city. Spennymoor (9 July), Newton Aycliffe (10 July) and Trimdon (12 July) are among 10 locations that will host events, along with Haswell and Barnard Castle.

These touring performances are to spread the impact of the festival across the county and allow still greater access to the event, which remains centred on Durham itself, where headliners Public Service Broadcasting open the festival with the NASUWT Riverside Band at Durham Cathedral. There will also be live performances on the streets of Durham.

For a full programme of events please visit: brassfestival.co.uk.

Flutes and Frets Duo are a multiaward winning partnership with an incredible repertoire, weaving conceptual and moving performances from over 500 years of musical history, from medieval to modern.

Friday 12 July 2024 at 7:30pm Bishop Auckland Methodist Church Call 01388 606075 or 07415 092040 for ticket enquiries or at Brotherton’s Music Shop.

Visit Bishop Auckland Music Society on Facebook for more details.

Hollowed Ground: The People of the Durham Coalfield, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Documentary film celebrating the industrial heritage and culture of Co. Durham. 11 July, 7pm, £5 per adult bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk/Cinema/

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The King’s Mother Book Launch, Raby Castle
Acclaimed local author Annie Garthwaite visits Raby Castle to talk about her new novel, based on Cecily Neville, the 15th Century resident of Raby Castle, mother to Edward IV & Richard III 8 July at 6pm, £15 per adult more information

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Kynren, 11Arches, Bishop Auckland
Open air dramatic restaging of England’s history, featuring spectacular effects and a cast of over 1,000 people. 27 July & ongoing, from £26 more information

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Northern Kin Festival , Thornley Hill Farm, Wheatley Hill, Music festival featuring The Waterboys, Jools Holland, Cast, and many more, rescheduled from June. 9 - 11 August, prices vary. https://www.northernkinfestival.co.uk/