Creativity Works is delighted to be a creative partner in Stormin’ Durham’s Castles, a new heritage project bringing the stories, places and people of County Durham together to explore the county’s rich Norman heritage.

Stormin’ Durham’s Castles, led by the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland (AASDN), in partnership with Creativity Works, Durham University, Raby Estates, The Auckland Project and Visit County Durham, and supported by a £98,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will help local people discover Durham’s castles in new and engaging ways.

As the project’s community arts partner, Creativity Works will help create opportunities for people across County Durham to connect with their local heritage through creativity, participation and shared experiences.

Our role is about making heritage accessible, relevant and enjoyable for local communities. Through creative activities, outreach and opportunities to get involved, we will help people explore the stories of the Normans and discover the people, skills and traditions behind Durham’s castles.

Working alongside our project partners, we will support activities that encourage residents to visit and experience the county’s castles, engage with historic objects and stories, and develop their own creative responses to this fascinating period of local history.

The project will also provide opportunities for young people and communities to become more actively involved in caring for and sharing Durham’s heritage, helping to build a new generation of heritage volunteers, storytellers and stewards.

Stormin’ Durham’s Castles forms part of the celebrations for the 2027 European Year of the Normans and will bring Durham’s Norman story to life through a programme of talks, tours, creative activities, food, re-enactments, animation, exhibitions and events.

For Creativity Works, it is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how creativity can open doors to heritage, spark curiosity and bring communities together around the places and stories that make County Durham special.

Could your community get involved?

We’d love to hear from community groups, organisations and services working with local people across County Durham who would like to get involved in Stormin’ Durham’s Castles.

If you work with a community group, school, youth group, community centre, care organisation, or other service and think the people you support would enjoy exploring Durham’s castles and Norman heritage through creative activities and experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

There will be opportunities to take part in activities, discover local heritage and get creative together. We’re particularly keen to connect with groups who may not always have the opportunity to access heritage activities and historic places.

Interested in getting involved?
Get in touch with the Creativity Works team at info@creativityworks.uk to find out more and discuss how your community or service users could take part.

Images of Durham Castles courtesy of Visit County Durham