Bumper programme of events heading to historic gem Redhills

From a concert honouring mining communities to live poetry, film, jazz and a fresh take on a Christmas classic, Redhills Durham Miners Hall has an eclectic programme of events coming up this November - offering new reasons to discover one of the North East’s most important historic buildings.

An imposing redbrick building in the shadow of the railway arches in Durham City, Redhills was purpose built in 1915 as the headquarters of Durham Miners’ Association (DMA.)

Today, following a major £14 million restoration, it’s a visitor and heritage centre, with plenty to offer visitors.

If you’re wanting to walk its historic corridors, Redhill Sundays are a chance for members of the public to drop-in and discover more about the building and its history, take part in family-friendly creative activities and discover special exhibitions, all for free.

Taking place every Sunday from 11am to 2pm, visitors can explore the restored Miner’s Hall, including the impressive Pitman’s Parliament where important decisions affecting mining communities were made.

There’s also a programme of events in the coming weeks, including:

*On Sunday 8 November at 3pm Under Earth, Under Arms, We Remember brings together Durham Miners Association Brass Band and the beautiful sound of Lirica, a mixed-voice, close-harmony, vocal group for a concert of brass and choral music in Redhills’ historic Pitman’s Parliament.

*Film fans can join Durham Film Club on Sunday 8 November at 7.30pm for a screening of The President’s Cake, Hasan Hadi’s award-winning 2025 film set in 1990s Iraq. The story follows nine-year-old Lamia as she searches for ingredients to make a cake for Saddam Hussein’s birthday, facing shortages and the threat of serious consequences if she fails.

*Saturday 14 November sees the return of Redhills Live with Simply Dylan – Acoustic, an evening celebrating the songs of Bob Dylan, presented in association with Big Mouth Productions. The performance brings together a super-talented multi-instrumentalist 4-piece band that includes violin, sax, acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, mandolin and harmonica alongside vocal harmonies, to offer a fresh take on some of Dylan’s best-loved songs.

*The programme continues on Sunday 15 November at 2pm with live music from Consett singer Lee Harrison in the Banner Room, performing a mix of old and new country music and Americana.

*On Thursday 19 November at 7.30pm, Colpitts Poetry Live brings poetry and original music together in a cabaret-style evening. County Durham poet Rachel Burns, Romanian poet and performer Peter Sragher, and North East singer-songwriter duo Kitchy Retro will share their work, with an open mic inviting audiences to perform their own poems and original songs.

*Durham University’s Big Band and Jazz Orchestra return to Redhills with Jazzy Christmas on Friday 27 November at 7.30pm, combining familiar festive favourites with classic and contemporary big band arrangements.

*The festive season gets into full swing on Sunday 29 November from 2.30pm, when broadcaster and impressionist Alfie Joey takes to the stage to perform his own solo version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

*In addition, the venue’s popular guided tours take place every Monday in November at 12.30pm. Discover Redhills: Past, Present & Future, is an introduction to the building’s unique history and proud past and an opportunity to discover how Redhill’s is being reimagined as a centre for culture, learning and social action.

Full event information, ticket prices and booking details are available at tickets.redhillsdurham.org.