Our free events roundup is back - see what's on for free across County Durham this week.
There are always ways to enjoy yourself in County Durham without having to pay out. Here's what's on September 30 to October 6 2019.
#1: Framing the Land, Witham Arts Centre
This is an exhibition of the top entries into the North Pennines AONB Partnership's 2019 Framing the Land photography competition. The rocks beneath our feet shape the landscape around us, and in the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark they tell a story spanning 500 million years. See the work of the latest photographers to be inspired by this landscape.
Framing the Land is on at the Witham from October 1-26, 10am to 4pm each day.
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#2: Infinite Cold, Gala Theatre Studio
Part of the Durham Book Festival, The Infinite Cold is on Saturday October 5 at the Gala Theatre Studio and is free. It's a family-friendly immersive theatre experience that takes you on a journey of imagination through the wonders of space and time as you watch the Night-Sky-A-Rama.
The Infinite Cold is at 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am and 12pm and runs for 15 minutes.
#3: Middle Ground: The Geographic & Linguistic Identity of the American Midwest, Alington House
This free talk is entitled Middle Ground: The Geographic & Linguistic Identity of the American Midwest, and is on Wednesday October 2 from 5.30-6.30pm. It is part of Durham University's Department of English Studies Late Summer Lectures series.
The Midwest is often seen as the heartland of America - and writers played a large part in constructing this sense of its significance. Molly Becker will map the regional and geographic identities of American fiction in this seventh lecture.
It's on at Alington House on North Bailey, at the bottom of Owengate. Contact latesummerlectures@gmail.com for more information.
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#4: Creative Age Project, Witham Arts Centre
The Creative Age Project and Witham Arts Centre are seeking to recruit adults aged 55+ for a craft-based project led by local artist and former farmer Trevor Dixon, who produces miniature models of farmhouses, outbuildings and drystone walls.
The project aims to bring together people who share a common background of working in rural Teesdale. The emphasis is on having an enjoyable afternoon in the company of like-minded people. No previous modelling experience is required. At the end of the project the work will be displayed in the Gallery at The Witham during March 2020.
You must commit to attend weekly sessions on Thursdays, 2-4pm commencing October 3 and concluding February 27 2020. There are no sessions over Christmas or New Year.
The project is free thanks to a grant from County Durham Community Foundation, and sessions will be held at UTASS, 9-11 Chapel Row, Middleton-in-Teesdale (DL12 0SN). Contact 01833 631 107 for more information.
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#5: Shildon Model Railway Club Exhibition, Locomotion
Locomotion Museum in Shildon is hosting the Shildon Model Railway Club Exhibition, which will have model railway displays, demonstrations and trade stands. It's on Saturday and Sunday October 5-6 from 10am to 5pm.
#6: Northern Crafts, Witham
The Witham arts centre in Barnard Castle is hosting a craft sale with some fantastic locally-made items for sale, including jewellery, prints, jams, toys, cards, scarves, hats, chocolate, soaps, knitted-gifts, puzzles, wooden-gifts, bags, and vintage items. You're bound to find something you like amongst that little lot.
Northern Crafts takes place on Saturday October 5 at the Witham in Barnard Castle, and entry is free. Call 01833 631 107 for more information.
#7: Breathtaking Books, Palace Green Library
Another event from the Durham Book Festival, Breathtaking Books is on Sunday October 6, 3-4pm at Palace Green Library. Join the Life of Breath researchers as they delve into a wide range of project topics, from the social and political history of tobacco, to the imagery of breath invoked by Chaucer, Shakespeare, and the Black Mountain poets. It's free but you'll need to book on 03000 266 600.
Read next: More arts and cultural events on our dedicated page