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Summer in the City Festival

Background comprises round image of the cathedral in a colourful painterly style, Summer in the City written in black script in the foreground of the image.

June 2019 

Summer in the City Festival (SitC) takes over Durham each June, celebrating the best of the city’s theatre, music and art.  

Durham University, Durham County Council and regional artists presented a dynamic programme of events to celebrate the cultural life of Durham, and showcases the theatre, musical concerts and art projects Durham has on offer. SitC 2019 collectively engaged with over 19,000 visitors and participants. 

 Theatre highlights included: 

  • The Tempest (26 June) in the Gala Theatre
  • The Spare Room (18 - 20 June) hosting productions from the Durham theatre community, as well as some Durham Student Theatre works
  • Love Labour's Lost (22 - 2 June) outside summer Shakespeare in Durham Castle grounds
  • Iolanthe (22 - 23 June) Gilbert and Sullivan’s whimsical outdoor opera.

Music events took place across the city, in venues ranging from Durham Cathedral to the Old Cinema Launderette. Highlights included: 

  • Jazz performances (7- 9, 13, 20 June)
  • Orchestral Performances (8, 10, 14, 16, 21 and 22 June)
  • Choral events (8, 10, 15)
  • Film music, including Stage and Screen Act 1 in the Cathedral (8 June) and Act 2 in the Gala Theatre (10 June). 

The art programme comprised exhibitions, tours, film screenings, workshops and talks for all ages, featuring international, national and regional artists. Highlights included:  

  • #VisibleWomen – Women artists from Durham’s Collection
  • Steffen Sixt: Heimat
  • The Bailey Gallery Art Tours
  • (Small but) FIERCE art workshop