Durham Markets celebrates 175 years with ‘Through the Decades Weekender’

This week, Durham Markets, one of the city’s oldest and most loved institutions, will celebrate its 175th anniversary with a big three-day community event in the city centre.

The ‘Through the Decades Weekender’ runs from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th May 2026 in Durham Market Place. The event will feature live entertainment, historical reenactments, music, dance, family activities, market stalls, street food, and fun for everyone.

The main event takes place after the official anniversary on Wednesday, 20th May, which marks 175 years since the Durham Markets Company was founded in 1851. On the anniversary itself, there will be a smaller celebration with the East India Company Living History & Re-enactment Society, Victorian walkabout characters, and interactive activities in the Market Place.

The East India Company Living History group will set up a camp with Victorian displays, military drills, cartridge-making demonstrations, and activities for children. Visitors can experience history up close.

The main celebrations will take place over the weekend, turning Durham Market Place into a lively festival celebrating the city’s past, present, and future.

Friday 22nd May – History Comes Alive

The first day will highlight Durham’s heritage with historical reenactments, military displays, and live entertainment. Visitors can see performances by Paul Skerritt, Cleveland Pipe Band, and 4 Decades, as well as browse market stalls, and enjoy community acts, face painting, children’s activities, and fancy-dress fun.

Saturday 23rd May – Music, Dance & Family Fun

On Saturday, there will be live music, dance, and entertainment from different decades. Acts include The Auckland Shanty Singers, The Quay Notes, Tyneside Irish Dance, Du Flute Choir, and Aydan Gargett. The Mayor of Durham will join the morning festivities. Families can look forward to stilt walkers, face painting, children’s activities, historical reenactments, and a themed fancy dress competition.

Sunday 24th May – Family Fun Day

The weekend wraps up with a full day of family entertainment, including performances by 4 Decades, Charlie Boy Sings, Durham Harmonics, and Ben Hannington. There will also be interactive history workshops, walkabout characters, market stalls, children’s activities, and more live shows throughout the day.

A highlight of the weekend is the ‘Through the Decades’ Fancy Dress Competition, where visitors of all ages are invited to dress up as their favourite era, whether that’s medieval knights, Victorian gentlemen, wartime styles, 90s looks, or something original. Prizes include Durham Market vouchers, hampers, and family gifts.

Children can also join a ‘Design Your Own Market Stall’ competition, which encourages them to imagine what Durham Markets could look like in the future.

James Wilson, market manager at Durham Markets Company, said:

“Reaching 175 years is an incredible milestone for Durham Markets and something we are immensely proud of. We have always been about far more than simply shopping – we are about community, connection, tradition, and bringing people together.

“For generations, Durham Markets has been at the heart of city life, supporting independent traders and creating memories for local families and visitors alike. The Through the Decades Weekender is our way of celebrating that history while also saying thank you to the community for their continued support over the years.

“We wanted this celebration to reflect everything that makes Durham Markets special — our heritage, our people, our traders and the incredible community spirit that still exists here 175 years later. We hope people will come along, get involved, dress up, enjoy the entertainment and help us celebrate this very special occasion.”

The Through the Decades Weekender runs from 10am to 4pm each day in Durham Market Place, with events starting from 11am, and entry is free for all three days.

For updates and full event details, check Durham Markets’ social media pages or visit www.durhammarkets.co.uk.