Durham Markets is aiming to help keep kids and adults entertained this half term with a series of special events. From getting to grips with big bugs, to following a dancing lion, there are plenty of activities taking place in the Market Hall and Market Place throughout the coming week.
With Pancake Day on Tuesday 13th February, Café Cenno in the Market Hall is getting ready to serve fresh pancakes throughout the week. On Thursday 15th, in addition to the monthly Farmers’ and Producers’ Market, the Market Hall will have free face painting for children, provided by Moonwillows. During the day on Friday 16th February, kids are invited to meet mini-beasts in the Market Hall with the team from Bugs n Stuff. Then, from 4pm to 9pm in the Market Place, the ever-popular Full Moon Market returns with a wide selection of street food sellers and live music.
The Outdoor Market will return to the Market Place on Saturday, and visitors can also enjoy the Chinese Lion Dance to welcome the Chinese New Year of the Dog. From 12.30pm onwards, the Chinese Lion will tour the city centre, starting in the Market Place before visiting Prince Bishops, Elvet and Framwellgate Bridges, Clayport Library and Walkergate.
The weekend’s events also coincide with Fire and Ice, the festival bringing world-class ice sculptors into the city centre, with trails of ice sculptures lit by flaming torches, and dramatic spectaculars each night.
Colin Wilkes, Managing Director of Durham Markets, commented: “There are so many great reasons to come into the heart of Durham during half term; from the drama of Fire and Ice, to the family-friendly food and music of the Full Moon Market, and the ever-popular spectacle that is the Chinese Lion Dance. With so many special events laid on, we’re hoping that families around the region will make days out centre on Durham this half term.”