Doodle on down to Durham as colouring in event hits the city

An eye for colour will be needed in Durham this weekend at an event run by the city's Business Improvement District.

Doodle InDurham will give people the chance to see artists in action as well as express their own creative side.

Hosted by Durham Business Improvement District (BID), which aims to boost the city’s economy and give visitors and shoppers a better experience, it will run this month’s activity.

People will be able to make their own mark in Durham this weekend.

From 11am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday locations across the city will hold sessions where people will be entertained by live drawing events, performances and art shows.

Adam Deathe, business engagement manager at Durham BID, said: “We’re really excited to give people the chance to see the city in a new light, get involved and be creative during their visit to Durham across the bank holiday weekend.

“Doodles InDurham is set to be a really enjoyable family event, giving people the chance to try out different arty activities from doodling, colouring, chalking and even action art.

“We hope it will inspire people from the region to visit Durham, have a fun day out and make the most of all Durham City has to offer. “From live events, shopping, food and drink, services and leisure activities, there’s so much happening in Durham that visitors can take advantage of.”

Doodle installations will be located in Millennium Place, Market Place, Elvet Bridge and Framwellgate Bridge.

Visitors can help to colour in a gigantic cube and pentagon installations and collaborate to create a unique work of art.

They will also have the chance to see masterpieces created live with Big Windoodles drawing events, where artists will be creating themed doodles on shop windows throughout Durham.

Mr Deathe added: “It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to see really talented artists create masterpieces right across the city centre, from Big Windoodles to live art shows, Durham will be more vibrant and colourful than ever.

“There will be different artists, acts and opportunities to get involved on each day so we hope everyone is inspired to take part as it is set to be a great weekend of free and fun activities that the whole family can join in with.”

From 11.30am on Saturday, visitors passing through Millennium Place will also have the chance to get involved in an urban action painting.

Led by Urban Canvas, people can participate in creating an outdoor gallery of modern art with the help of remote control cars.

A live performance walkabout show, the Art Critics, will be on hand to entertain passers-by throughout Saturday, as will comedy characters.

Artist John Hicks will take centre stage in the Marketplace to showcase his unique painting style in a live street show.

John’s act is art in action as he creates works of art with speed set to music at 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm on Saturday.

He will return to Durham City on Sunday at 12.30pm, 2pm, and 3.15pm.

On Sunday, visitors will also have the opportunity to help craft Italian Chalking Art from noon until 4pm in the Market Place.

To find out more about Live InDurham, visit: http://www.durhambid.co.uk/live.