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PREVIEW: Tis the Season at The Auckland Project

Posted on November 26th 2018 by Whats on Northeast

A County Durham destination is getting into the festive spirit with a host of activities for families, shoppers and aspiring artists alike.

The Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland is running a full festive programme throughout November and December including specialist shopping markets, festive arts and crafts and a traditional Christmas Carol service.

From Friday 7 to Sunday 9 December, the grounds of 900 year-old Auckland Castle will be transformed into a shopping wonderland, with stalls selling the works of regional, artisan craftspeople alongside local food and drink. Items on offer will include everything from cheese, bread and curry sauces to soaps and bath bombs, handmade wooden giftware and jewellery and trinket boxes.

For those who find wrapping the trickiest part of Christmas, The Auckland Project’s Retail Team will also be on hand with gift wrapping kits and a drop-in wrapping service to help take away some of the stress.

To coincide with the market at Auckland Castle, No.42 in Bishop Auckland Market Place is holding its annual Christmas Makers Market, where regional artists will have their works up for sale. This includes a collection of unique gifts to be put under the Christmas tree, from photography and pottery to glass work.

No.42 will continue it’s Christmas countdown with a host of Heritage Craft Skills workshops. Here, visitors will have the chance to get their house ready for 25 December by crafting their own Christmas wreaths, willow reindeer and copper foil Christmas decorations, as well as willow angels, Christmas trees and stars.
Back at Auckland Castle, The Auckland Project will hold it’s annual Christmas Carol service on Saturday, 15 December. A Christmas tradition designed for families, the service will take place in the Castle’s St Peter’s Chapel – the largest private chapel in Europe outside of the Vatican.

The Auckland Project’s Christmas Market will open its doors at Auckland Castle between 1pm – 7pm Friday, 7 December and will continue between 10am – 4pm Saturday, 8 to Sunday 9 December.

No.42’s Christmas Markers Market will be open from between 1pm-7pm Friday, 7 December and between 10am-5pm on Saturday 8, Sunday 9 December.

Spaces are limited for No.42’s Heritage Craft Skills workshops and places can be reserved through The Auckland Project’s bookings team. Prices vary depending on the workshop and more information can be found at aucklandproject.org.

To book places at any of The Auckland Project’s Christmas events, call 01388 743 797 or email bookings@aucklandproject.org.

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