Here are some free events happening throughout this week, April 8-14, bringing some fun to your week without the pricetag.
Easter's here, and with the whole of the two week holiday to fill with activities and days out, it helps the wallet if some of those events don't involve buying expensive tickets and entry fees.
But while we've found some free events for families, we've also had a look around for free Durham events for everyone else too - so if you've got some time off work or just want to enjoy your weekend, hopefully there's something here to take your fancy.
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#1: Bishop Auckland Food Festival
Taking place over the weekend, April 13-14, the Bishop Auckland Food Festival is a must-visit event for any foodies. Full of great food and drink, there's everything from talks to cookery book signings and food stalls. And while some of the events such as the celebrity workshops are paid-for, there are also several free events.
Read next: Here's what to expect from the Bishop Auckland Food Festival
Head to the Bishop Auckland marketplace where you'll find 150 food and drink stalls to wander around, and there's also a free marketplace stage where there'll be free cookery demonstrations and celebrity talks. You can find all the information you need in our Bishop Auckland Food Festival visitor information.
#2: Durham University Concert Band, Collingwood College
Durham University Concert Band is giving a free concert at Collingwood College as a warm up, before they head to Manchester to compete in the final of the National Concert Band Festival at the Royal Northern College of Music.
It's on Wednesday April 10, doors at 8.15pm, and the concert is on at 8.30-9pm. It's at the Mark Hillery Arts Centre, Collingwood College, Durham.
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#3: Bertie's Easter Egg Hunt, Prince Bishops Shopping Centre
Starting on Monday April 8 and continuing until Saturday April 20, the Prince Bishops mascot Bertie has left Easter eggs all around the shopping centre.
Collect an Easter Egg Hunt form from the team at Bertie's Play Village (inside M&Co) then head out onto the malls and get hunting. Bertie's eggs are hidden in store windows throughout the shopping centre. When you spot an egg, call into that store to collect a matching sticker.
Once you've found all 10 hidden eggs, return your completed form to Bertie's Play Village to receive your reward. Each person who completes the egg-spotting mission will receive a sweet treat as a reward.
Read next: Easter fairs and workshops in County Durham
#4: Society of Recorder Players Fringe Festival, Ushaw
This is a chance to hear some of the UK's best young musical talent playing live - and it's free. Charlotte Barbour-Condini, Sophie Westbrooke and Tom Ridout are three finalists from the BBC's Young Musician competition, and they're heading to the Society of Recorder Players Fringe Festival which is taking place at Ushaw on Saturday and Sunday April 13-14.
They will be playing a series of free pop-up performances throughout the Ushaw Historic House and Chapels over the weekend. You can find out everything that's happening in our Society of Recorder Players Fringe Festival story.
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#5: Full Moon Market, Durham Marketplace
Taking place on Friday April 12, the Full Moon Streetfood Market is back in Durham city centre from 4pm to 9pm with great choice of food from a wide variety of streetfood vendors, all contributing to a great atmosphere. Food stalls that have been available at previous events have included The Asian Project, The Greek Kitchen, The Green Guerrilla, Fat Hippo Fleet, Perissa, Kimchi Planet, Earth and Fire Pizza, The French Pop Up, The Belgian Waffle Tuk, Smokie Dokies, and Coffee Supreme.
There is also live music in Durham Marketplace during the Full Moon Market.
Read next: Enjoy Easter with these activities
#6: Night and Astro Photography exhibition
Starting on Saturday April 13, the 'I Love Durham' photography exhibition is returning to the city. This year, the subject is night and astro photography, celebrating County Durham's status as having some of the darkest skies in the country.
The pictures for the exhibition have been taken by local photographer Gary Lintern, his students, and members of the 'I Love Durham' Facebook group. The pop-up gallery is situated between The Gift Company and Costa Coffee in Prince Bishops Shopping Centre.
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#7: The Voice UK, CoHo
Reckon you've got some singing talent? Then head to CoHo in Freeman's Place in Durham for The Voice auditions. It's on Wednesday April 10 between 5.30-9pm. Call Coho on 0191 374 1000 for more information.
Want to have your event included in any of our listings, for free? Contact ExplorAR on hello@explorar.co.uk
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