Easter fairs and workshops in Durham during the school holidays 2019

There are several Easter fairs in Durham taking place during the two week Easter school holidays. Here's what's on.

The Durham Easter holidays start on Saturday April 6 and finish on Monday April 22 inclusive (April 22 is Easter Monday bank holiday). You can read our full rundown of Easter events in our Durham Easter events guide.

The great thing about fairs - aside from finding some excellent gifts while helping local businesses at the same time - is that many of them are free to enter. And if you're craft-inclined, then we've included some craft and art workshops too.

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Durham Easter fair #1: Witham Arts Centre Designer Makers Market exhibition

At the Witham Arts Centre in Barnard Castle, there'll be a Designer Makers Market exhibition. Taking place each day (although usually closed Sundays and Mondays - you can phone the Witham on 01833 631107 to check) from Saturday April 6 until Saturday April 20, 10am-4pm, there will be eight North East artists exhibiting a wide variety of 2D and 3D work.

There will be demonstrations and have-a-go sessions each day, and in the fortnight running up to the Designer Makers Market on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, eight of the artists taking part will exhibit their work in The Witham Gallery.

Artwork includes lampwork glass, ceramic wildlife sculpture, felt fibre art, pastel paintings, sea glass art, paper collage, lino-cut prints and textile art.

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Durham Easter fair #2: Ushaw Rival Arts Easter fair

On Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and April 28, Ushaw will be holding the Rival Arts Easter fair. You cane expect a wide variety of homemade food, drink, arts and crafts on display. It takes place 10am to 4pm each day.

Durham Easter fair #3: South Causey Inn Easter Markets

The South Causey Inn on Beamish Burn Road to the north of Stanley is holding an Easter Market, with an array of food and craft stalls featuring local artisans and traders, as well as children's activities. It takes place on Tuesday April 9 and Tuesday April 16 from 10.30am until 2pm.

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Durham Easter workshop #4: Walworth Castle flower arranging

Walworth Castle to the north east of Darlington is holding an Easter flower arranging workshop in the ballroom. The day will be hosted in conjunction with Flowers By Nattrass, and you can create your own Easter table centre. Also included is a traditional afternoon tea. The Walworth flower arranging workshops costs £45 per person. Book by calling Walworth Castle on 01325 485470.

Durham Easter fair #5: Durham city Full Moon market

The Full Moon Market is back in Durham marketplace during the Easter holidays, on Friday April 19. From 4-9pm, there'll be a selection of live music to keep you entertained. It's suitable for all ages. You can enjoy the music for free but if you are inclined to spend a little, then you could always purchase from one of the food stalls - past Full Moon Markets have included stalls such as 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.

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Durham Easter fair #6: Durham Marketplace Crafts in Durham

On Sunday April 21, head into Durham Marketplace for Crafts in Durham, which will include stalls selling an assortment of artisan and handcrafted delights.  Find one of a kind gifts, unique art, or charming trinkets for you and your home.  

Durham Easter workshop #7: Killhope Lead Mining Museum Blacksmiths Workshop

A workshop with a slightly different twist, the Killhope Lead Mining Museum Blacksmiths Workshop is a chance to try your hand at ironmongery. For £60, you can work in the forge to create pokers. The workshop is on Sunday April 21, begins at 10.15am and will be finished by approximately 3.20pm. Call Killhope to book on 01388 537 505.

Durham Easter fair #8: Witham Arts Centre Northern Crafts

The Witham Arts Centre in Barnard Castle is hosting another craft fair, on Saturday April 6 from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Northern Crafts will feature jewellery, prints, jams, toys, cards, scarves, hats, chocolate, soaps, knitted-gifts, puzzles, wooden-gifts, bags, and vintage. Northern Crafts is free entry.

Feature image credit: Durham based crochet website Crochet Cloudberry