Durham County Council is one of the largest unitary authorities in the country, covering 2,000 sq km of city, countryside and coast, and serving a population of more than half a million people.

The council supports vibrant festivals and events as part of its work to promote County Durham as a great destination to live, study, work, visit and invest in. This includes Bishop Auckland and Seaham Food Festivals, Durham Book Festival, Brass and Durham City Run Festival.

It also runs cultural venues across the county, including Gala Durham, Empire Consett, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Durham Town Hall, and The Story, as well as supporting other attractions in its communities.

The council is a key partner in 'Into the light', a programme which grew from Durham's shortlisted bid to be City of Culture 2025, and which is recognised by Arts Council England as a Place Partnership. Through the partnership, the council continues to work with partners to bring together the boundless creativity of our communities and cultural organisations to deliver a spectacular cultural programme with international appeal, along with innovative projects to support local people in achieving their own creative potential.

In August, it celebrated the opening of The Light, a new cultural destination bringing contemporary art and culture together with history, scientific discovery and technological innovation. Through a programme of exhibitions, events and community activities, The Light explores the ideas shaping our world today. Visitors can explore a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Durham Light Infantry or be inspired by fascinating temporary exhibitions, with tickets currently on sale for Victory Over the Sun, an exhibition of extraordinary light art by celebrated international light artists.