The Durham Podcast

In this Episode Sam chats to Derick Jackson and Graham Ravenhall as they prepare to run the Great North Run dressed as the Tyne Bridge, to raise money for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Their Instagram is @GNRTyneBridge. We're also chatting to Sarah Seed, County Durham author of the book "Dare To Choose You", Chris Buckle on producing "An Evening of Kate Bush" at Durham Cathedral and Hari Budha Magar MBE on disability visability within A.i. As always, you can listen to Durham OnAir 24/7 thr...

We're talking to performers and organisers behind The Durham Fringe Festival 2026. In this episode you'll hear interviews with; Dr Stephen Cronin, The Marsh Family Singers, Comedian Richard Cobb, The Last Days of Trump, Comedian Richard Pulston & TIN Theatre and their play Room 504.

In this episode Damian chats to Derren Brown about his new show Only Human which plays The Stockton Globe! Stuart chats to Peter Dixon about the Saturday Sessions, a showcase of great comedy, taking place in Barnard Castle. He also chats to Councillor Jill Campbell on her love on running and her raising cash for Teesdale Day Clubs.

The podcast is back after an extended break, bringing you news and chats about everything happening across the County this summer! In this episode we speak to Kai Widdrington about his tour Evolution visiting the north east. We also talk to John Lyons, part of the team organising the first ever Durham Jazz Festival!

The Durham Podcast returns for 2026, bringing you interesting conversation with people doing amazing things across County Durham. Russell Howard joins Damian to discuss his current UK Tour, visiting Stockton Globe this weekend. Guest Louise McGill discusses her work with the British Heart Foundation, and how she survived at heart attack at 53 years old.

Sam chats to Helen Marriage, the Director of Artichoke, to discuss highlights from Durham Lumiere. He asks why Durham was chosen to host the festival back in 2009 and gets an answer to "Why is this the last Lumiere festival in Durham?".

Damian speaks to Astronaut Tim Peak on visiting space and Stockton. Sam speaks to the director of the play "Honestly" visiting County Durham and Darlington. Emma talks to Gail Col from Barnard Castle Business Networking. Stuart chats to Folks singer Steve Tilson about his final release.

It's a packed episode with Sam and Damian chatting to four great guests. Graeme Danby is an operatic bass originally from Durham who is performing "Songs From The North East" at Redhills, Shvorne Marks is appearing in the spooky play 2:22 at Sunderland Empire Theatre, Katrina Fisher is doing well on the international MMA stage and Supreme Queen, the ultimate Queen tribute are visiting the North East.

Sam chats to the Vice Principle of New College Durham Alison Maynard about A Level and T Level results, Judith Porter the local marathon running sensation who is still running in her 70's, the winners of the Durham Lumiere BELIEVE scheme who will be showing their work in November and Justine Riddoch who is bringing her show Totally Tina to the region over the next few months.

This week Sam chats to actress Sarah Bulmer from The Handlebards about their touring production of Much Ado About Nothing which is coming to Wharton Park in August. We also chat to Jam Tub, a young band from Durham who are performing at The Durham Fringe

In this Episode we hear highlights from our live coverage of Staindrop Village Carnival, we talk to the members of the public who were there and the businesses in attendance. Sam talks to David Watchman the general manager of Tanfield Railway about their 300th Birthday celebrations and their BBC documentary. Rustie Lee talks to Sam about DIY and Amity Miller tells us about their upcoming Durham Fringe Festival shows, we also hear a track from his new album.

The Durham Podcast is back with a regular series bringing you all the latest from events across the County for the summer. In this episode Sam talks to Dawn Roe of The Durham County Show, and Emma chats to Harvey Barkes from Thorpe Farm.

A special episode of The Durham Podcast featuring the speeches from Durham Pride 2025. Featuring speech from: Mel Metcalf, Mayor of Durham Liz Brown, Simon Forrest Principle of Hill Bede College, Joy Allen the Police and Crime commissioner and more.

Sam chats to Glenda Young about her new book "The Toffee Factory Girls" and Emma chats to those involved in Durham Children's Book Festival coming later in August. Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

We chat to two stars of the Durham Fringe Festival, Molly Farquah and Jessa Liversidge, who tell us about the shows they are bringing to the festival. Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

We chat to Amity Miller and Steve Pledger, both artists who will be appearing at The Durham Fringe Festival at the end of July. Emma chats to The Durham Pointers about their role in the city and what their role will entail across the summer of 2024. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App to take part and listen to Durham OnAir. Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham...

It's been a while, but we're back! Sam chats to Andys Man Club and looks at The Bowes Museum Summer Markets. Stuart chats to Chief Constable Bacon from Durham Constabulary.

Sam chats to the MD of Bells Fish and chips about the National Fish and Chips awards and preparations for Good Friday. Writer Cait Scott tells us about her new children's book, and Neal Foster tells us about starting in Awful Aunty which is visiting County Durham Theatres. Emma Chats to 'Book Worm' about Durham Pride, and the LGBTQ+ Pride market. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App to take part and listen to Durham OnAir. Click here to learn how to hear your local radio stati...

We're back after a month off! Sam chats to DJ Judge Jules ahead of his gig in Stockton, we interview protesters at County Hall who are campaigning against the defunding of the WEA, Simon Kitchen who is walking from Durham Cathedral to Holy Island and Amy Whitfield who has been nominated as a Tourism Superstar in the annual tourism awards Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App to take part and listen to Durham OnAir. Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durh...

Emma chats to Alice about all the events of Lunar New Year Sam chats to Hugh Cornwell, ex member of The Strangelers, about his new solo album and tour. Matthew Chats to Jen& Live, the winners of The Voice UK from County Durham, and also Councillor Elizabeth Scott about Durham's brand new bus station. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App to take part and listen to Durham OnAir. Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam L...

Welcome to a huge Christmas edition of The Durham Podcast. Sam chats to Dave Hill, from Slade, about the bands latest tour and 'that' Christmas song! He also speaks to Mike Tomkins from Masterchef about how to cook the perfect Christmas dinner! Sam also chats to Maria Carlton, executive headteacher at Bewley and Kirklevington Primary Schools, who is the Gold winner of the Pearson "Head Teacher of the year in a primary school". Emma chats to Graham Soult about the future of Dur...

Emma chats to Michael Hemple about the Childrens Lantern Parade at Durham Cathedral & the St Nicholas Service. Sam chats to Fatima Whitbread about her experience in the fostering service and tells us about her memories of winning in Durham in her early career! Damian chats to Jazzie B from Soul II Soul about their upcoming show at The Stockton Globe on November 25th Stuart Laundy chats to County Durham songwriter Steve Thompson about his new album Distant Destination. Remembe...

We're back for series 3! Emma chats to Alice from Durham Markets about the Youth Market. Sam chats to Dave Turner, who stars in Ken Loaches latest film 'The Old Oak'. The film is set in Durham, and Dave, a retired fire fighter, has no previous acting experience. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

It's a bumper final episode of series 2! (We'll be back in September!) Emma chats to Paul Howard from Durham BID about the 'Independents in Durham'. Sam chats to Michelle Heaton from Liberty X about entertaining the kids and playing games over the summer holidays. He chats to Ben Donaghy about his show his show at the Durham Fringe Festival, and also Jazmin Borrer from the National Tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that visit's Sunderland this year. Remember to download the...

Emma charts about Durham Classic Car show! Sam chats to Forster and Smith about their upcoming magic show at the Durham Fringe. He also chats to Vanessa Feltz about the campaign she's fronting to ensure we take advantage of our dinner break! Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

Emma charts about the Teesdale Business Awards Sam chats to Joe from Fat Freddy's Drop and previews the new artists event coming to Durham BRASS festival 2023. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir This episode is sponsored by Escape Rooms Durham - Book now to get locked up!

Emma charts about Durham Childrens Book festival Sam chats to comedian Maisie Adam and Olivia from the Endorphins scheme. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir This episode is sponsored by Escape Rooms Durham - Book now to get locked up!

Emma charts to Owen Weightman from 3D Virtual spaces about their work across Durham Sam chats to Jake Murray from Elysium theatre about their rehearsals for the up and coming Durham Shakespeare Festival Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

Emma charts to Kelly Ewing about the sewing work she's doing in Barnard Castle Sam chats to Billie Bowman from Heathers the musical which is touring to the North East. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

Emma charts to Alice about the upcoming Young Market Traders finals in Durham Sam chats to Jeremy Vine about a brand new bursary he is awarding to future Durham University students. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

Emma charts to Stephen Cronin from The Durham Fringe Festival Sam chats to ShyBairn Theatre about their latest show and Pete 'Esso' Haynes from The Lurkers about his new novel. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

Emma find out all about the Durham Festival of Wellbeing Sam chats to Alan from Emmanuel Church about their new building and growing their church. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

Emma chats to The Durham Pointers about their work in the city. Sam chats Rachel Riley about how to save for the perfect holiday this year. Sam chats to Eve, from Durham, who has taken part in the Multiply Skills for life scheme. Find out more about the government-funded numeracy courses, like Multiply, available in your local area today by visiting the Skills for Life website: https://skillsforlife.campaign.gov.uk. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn ho...

Emma and Alice visit the new Pawsome Cat Cafe in Durham City Sam chats Tony from Holi And Bhang restaurant! Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

Emma chats to Chris Howell from Howell Media Sam chats to Ellie White about her novels "Love In London" and "Love In The Wings" Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Ellie White Instagram Howell Media Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

Emma chats to Adam about the Coronation plans for Durham! Sam chats to Diane Inglis from The Faithful Durham's about their campaign for a re-opened DLI museum. Matthew Donnachie catches up with host, celebs and attendees at Bishop Auckland Food Festival! Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

Emma chats to Stuart Laundy from In The Spotlight at The Witham Sam chats to Stephen Webb from The Rocky Horror Show visiting Stockton We also catch up with Damian all about Durham World Heritage Day Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

Emma chats to Jamine, ones of the traders with NMTF Sam chats to Dave Wilson who is a stroke survivor volunteering with The Stroke Association Sam chats to Mr Money Jar, Timi-Meriman Johnson about how to save money by doing tasks ourselves. Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

Mike Norris chats to us about his new book. Reap Sleep Rock Repeat is available by clicking here. Emma and Alice visit Crook Hall Café, which has since reopened. Click here for information Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

This Week: We talk to Lily Brooke, a local singer song writer about her new singleWe preview the Durham Fringe Festival with Stephen Cronin. We hear the winner of our Hotel Indigo CompetitionWhat's On In County Durham Lily Brooke Instagram Durham Fringe Festival Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your hosts: Sam Lupton Instagram Emma Hignett Instagram Listen to Durham OnAir

This week on the podcast: You could win dinner for two at Hotel Indigo! Click here for more information. A grisly tale challenge in set in the Durham Podcast quiz. Andrew Stokes from Visit England tells us about English Tourism WeekParish Clerk Adam tells us about Durham's plans for the CoronationTV's Alice Beer tells us how to bag a bargain! Remember to download the FREE Durham OnAir App Click here to learn how to hear your local radio station for Durham 24/7 Follow your h...

Sam & Emma discuss the pronunciation of "Prebends" bridge and give you the next question in The Durham Podcast Quiz! Sam chats to Robert Johnson from Investing in Children about the work they are doing in Pity Me and County Durham. Investing in Children Instagram Investing in Children Facebook Emma discovers a new style of business support groups based in South West Durham called Biz Group 66 Biz Group 66 Facebook page We meet Lleyton from Witton Gilbert Primary School who is the win...

This week on the Durham Podcast: Sam speaks to local ballet dancer Emma Price, currently appearing in 'Swan Lake' for Birmingham Royal Ballet at Sunderland Empire Emma speaks to Alice from Durham Markets about the upcoming regional heats of the NMTF Young Traders Markets. Sam chats to TV Presenter Anna Williamson about fronting a national campaign for employers and businesses to spend at least 5% of the working week focusing on mental health! Birmingham Royal Ballet: https://www.brb.or...

In This Episode: Sam talks to Trevor Fox, an actor from the North East, who is staring in "The Ocean At The End Of The Lane" which is playing at Sunderland Empire theatre this week. Emma chats to Will Greaves about the brand new Merryoakes community centre project in Durham City, not far from The Duke of Wellington pub. Sam chats to comedian Lucy Porter, who is bringing her brand new show, Wake Up Call, to The Witham in Barnard Castle, about comedy, quizzing and why she loves Barn...

Episode 3 of series 2 is here! Emma chats to Paul Howard from Durham BID, previewing the upcoming Fire & Ice weekend which runs over the weekend of 24th and 25th February. Sam talks to Laura Tott, star of channel 4's First Dates about the trend towards home cooked meals on first dates. There's another chance to hear the chat with Jo Soulsby of Moon Jewellery on Silver Street all about her aid for Ukraine campaign. Durham Bid https://www.lifeindurham.co.uk/event/fire-ice-durham/ M...

Series 2 Episode 2 is here! Emma and Alice head to The Pump House tea room near Shincliffe, Sam chats to Carl Howe about his success with axe throwing in Durham, and we dig out an interview from the Durham Today archive! The Pump House Tea Room https://www.facebook.com/Thepumphousetearoomdurham/ Valhalla Axe Throwing https://www.valhallanorth.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/North_Valhalla https://www.instagram.com/valhalla_north/ https://www.facebook.com/valhallanorth Durham OnAir www.durhamo...

Welcome to a new series of The Durham Podcast. Sam and Emma kick off a new format for the show, teaming up with Durham OnAir & Durham Today to bring you new content on a more regular basis. Welcome to Series 2 Episode 1 Raddison Blue: https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-durham Turkish Kitchen: https://turkishkitchendurham.co.uk/ World Cancer Day: https://www.worldcancerday.org/ Age UK County Durham: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/countydurham/ Download the Durham On...

in this episode it's all things bright, beautiful (had to put that in), new and tasty! Welcome to In The Loop Episode 14 Have a listen - and here are the relevant links! Lunar New Year Celebrations in Durham Website - https://www.thisisdurham.com/whats-on/lunar-new-year-2023-celebration-p1089531 Durham Markets Event page - https://durhammarkets.co.uk/event/chinese-new-year-celebrations-durham-city-centre/ Durham Outdoor Markets and Events on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/durhammarke...

In this episode it's all about the past meeting the future - perfect for New Year 2023. Welcome to In The Loop Episode 13 Have a listen - and here are the relevant links! Upcycle Me Website - upcycleme.co.uk Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/UpCycleMeDurham Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/upcycleme_durham/ Durham Cathedral Undercroft Restaurant Website - https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/visit-us/plan-your-visit/eating Durham Cathedral on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/durha...

We're not just talking about Christmas, but we can't not mention it! Welcome to In The Loop, episode 12. Have a listen and then come back here for the relevant links! Durham Christmas Festival website - https://durhamchristmasfestival.com/ Durham Christmas Festival Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/durhamchristmasfestival/ Durham Christmas Festival Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xmasdurham/ Durham Christmas Festival Twitter - https://twitter.com/xmasdurham QuirkshopUK webs...

It's been a month to remember, and for this podcast, one interview was recorded before HM Queen Elizabeth II died, one the day after she died, and one a week later, and that obviously impacts the conversations. I've not edited out, it time dates the conversations ... and maybe our thoughts will reflect yours. In this episode we catch up with Graham Soult of Indie Durham City For more https://www.indiedurhamcity.co.uk/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IndieDurhamCity/ Twitte...

Summer in the city ... it could mean hot temperatures (who knows) but it will mean a great promotion of the city's independents retailers, a fab family friendly book lovers event and lots of chances for you to discover the city's independents, including the one featured here. In this episode we catch up with Paul Howard of Durham BID who's telling us about their Independents Campaign running from 25th July to 31st August. For more on the campaign including participating retailers - ht...

Lights, camera, action ... it's episode 9! Where we catch up with Bill Moir of Durham Fringe which runs from 26th t0 31st July To buy tickets head here - https://durhamfringe.co.uk/ And for Durham Fringe social media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DurhamFringe Twitter - https://twitter.com/durhamfringe Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/durhamfringefest/ Miles Nelson of Bookwyrm To find out what we're not telling you find Bookwyrm here Facebook - https://www.facebook.c...

Yeay - our first In The Loop special, one podcast, one guest, and one subject - the bid for City of Culture, the Durham 2025 Bid. I was invited to talk to Tony Harrington about the Bid, how we can support it, and the influence it could have on both the City and County of Durham. Thanks for listening! And ... here are some useful links: Durham 2025 website - https://durham2025.co.uk/ Durham 2025 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Durham2025/ Durham 2025 Twitter - https://twit...

Here goes with Episode 7 of the In The Loop Podcast ... thank you for listening! Have a listen ... and then these are the links you might need: City of Durham Parish Council - https://cityofdurham-pc.gov.uk/ City of Durham Parish Council on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CityofDurhamPC Jubilee hashtag - #durhamcityjubilee Events: Platinum Jubilee Tea Dance - https://durhammarkets.co.uk/event/jubilee/ Platinum Jubilee Big Lunch - https://durhammarkets.co.uk/event/platinum-jubilee-big-...

Here goes with another, the sixth episode of In The Loop - The Durham Podcast. Apologies we're a day into April, so a little late posting, but it was really enjoyable to catch up with Susan Tyson from Durham Pointers, and also with Chris and Fraser from Bear Bottom in Durham Market Hall. Here's the links you might need! For Bear Bottom's website - https://bearbottom.co.uk/ and for their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/BearBottomGifts For Durham Market's website - https://d...

We're back with another episode of In The Loop - The Durham Podcast. It's fab to catch up with Paul Howard of Durham Bid and hear his plans as the city emerges from two years of lockdowns and restrictions, and those plans include lots of events, the first one he talks about being at the end of February. PLEASE NOTE: there's a date error in this episode, Alice confesses a panicky moment of confusion... where she talks about the Children's Book and Fun Day, this will actually be happenin...

Welcome to episode 4 of In The Loop - The Durham Podcast, which I'm calling All Things Bright and Beautiful. It all starts with a catch up with Cllr Elizabeth Scott from City of Durham Parish Council who talks about the work being put in to ensure Durham's future prosperity. If you wish to contact Cllr Scott, or any of the Parish Councillors, then please visit their website: City of Durham Parish Council (cityofdurham-pc.gov.uk) It's then time for bright lights, and a visit to H...

Episode 3 of In the Loop - The Durham Podcast has more than one way that people are making a difference, and more than one chat over a great cup of coffee! In The Student Loop, we're talking about student and staff volunteering, with information both for those who want to volunteer and those who could provide volunteering opportunities. DU Volunteering website: https://duvolunteering.webspace.durham.ac.uk/ Volunteering platform (staff): https://durhamunistaffvolunteering.teamkinetic.c...

Episode 2 of In The Loop - the Durham podcast features convenience, crystals (as well as rocks) and Christmas! Yes, Durham Christmas Festival returns for real this year, and all details about the festival can be found at www.durhamchristmasfestival.com. If you just want to skip the site and buy discounted advance tickets for the Craft & Gift Marquee on Palace Green, then you can do that here. in the Student Loop, the special delivery service for students from Durham Market ...

Welcome to episode 1 of In The Loop - with illumination, independents, charity and fabulous food! For more details about Lumiere see www.lumiere-festival.com. Find Elvet & Bailey in Prince Bishops Place in Durham, open 7 days a week. Their website and online shop is at www.elvetandbailey.com. Durham Women for Woman International can be found on Facebook here - www.facebook.com/womenforwomendurham. Their clothing drop in Durham Market Place is on Saturday 9th October. ...