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County Durham Day 20th March 2026

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County Durham Day 20th March 2026

This County Durham Day, celebrated on St Cuthbert’s Day 20th March, has been the biggest celebration so far. We present some highlights from the day, along with our video of The Seven Wonders of County Durham. We are especially grateful for the continued support of South Tyneside Council, County Durham Council and Darlington Borough Council.

South Tyneside Mayor Jay Potts commented: “The towns and villages in the borough have a proud past rooted in historic County Durham and I am pleased to be able to support County Durham Day. County Days are an opportunity to help promote historic counties and increase geographical awareness and identity for local communities.”

Cllr Jay Potts, Mayor of South Tyneside pictured with the county flag at South Shields Town Hall with local historian and author Terry Ford (l) and Graeme Keedy (r) from The Association of British Counties.

The Mayor highlighted the importance of the historic county to tourism: “As English Tourism Week continues, County Durham Day provides a further opportunity to highlight the borough’s tourism offer and encourage visitors to come and enjoy our wonderful coast and the many attractions on offer.”

County Durham Council ran a programme of events including displays of school children’s County Durham-inspired artwork in the council’s libraries, a blue and yellow LEGO challenge for children, and public buildings lit up in the blue and yellow of the county flag.

Cestria Primary Reception Classes collage of Chester-le-Street Viaduct, at Chester-le-Street Library’s County Durham Day display.

We were also pleased to see Darlington Borough Council flying the County Durham flag at Darlington Town Hall.

The County Durham flag flying at Darlington Town hall on County Durham Day 2026.

We are also very grateful to to many MPs, local politicians, town and parish councils who posted their support for County Durham Day 2026.

City of Durham MP, Mary Kelly Foy at the Shrine of St Cuthbert on County Durham Day 2026.

Flag raising ceremony at Hutton House, Chilton on County Durham Day 2026. The flag was raised by Mayor Sue Reece and Jimmy Moffatt, father of the the county flag’s designers Holly and Katie.

Ferryhill Town Council celebrates County Durham Day 2026.

Fishburn Parish Council flies the County Durham flag on the county day.

Cllr Andrew Husband, Leader of Durham County Council (c), alongside Cllr Karen Allison, Cabinet member for leisure, tourism and high street, and Cllr Howard Brown, Cabinet member for adults and health services.

County Durham Day 2026 display at Newton Aycliffe Library.

Durham Town Hall illuminated in the blue and yellow of the county flag for County Durham Day 2026.

County Durham Day shop window display at the Peoples Bookshop, Durham

The Story Durham, a County Durham heritage and cultural hub, lit in the colours of the County Durham flag on County Durham Day 2026.

Barnard Castle on County Durham Day 2026.

Blaze the Book Dragon, mascot of County Durham Council’s library service, went on a tour of the county for County Durham Day 2026. Here at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle.

South Shields MP Emma Lewell’s post – with the splendid county flag / borders image.

Pupil at Howden-le-Wear Primary School with County Durham Day artwork.

The County Durham Day blue and yellow Lego Challange.

St Cuthbert’s Day pilgrimage from Chester-le-Street to Durham Cathedral.

Our thanks are especially due to Graeme Keedy, ABC’s County Durham Coordinator. Graeme explained “South Shields, Jarrow, Hebburn, Whitburn, Cleadon and The Boldons all remain in County Durham. County Days celebrate the history, heritage, culture and people of a county – they are growing in popularity and can provide a real boost for local tourism.”