Believed to have been started in 1852 by Bishop Edward Maltby, impressed by the produce in the mining villages, the Bishop Auckland Horticulture Show debuted in the Bishop's Park. By the 1860s, it was acclaimed as the second largest in the country after the Chelsea Flower Show. An 1859 oil painting by John Wilson Carmicheal depicting our Horticulture show hangs in the Town Hall today.

This year, the show takes place on the castle bowling green, in the shadow of St. Peter's Chapel, with a range of classes and competitions, advice and beautiful displays to behold.

Find the full Show schedule at www.baccanalia.co.uk/heritagefestival

Join in with this journey of discovery and share your stories and memories of the town and its people. Enjoy free exhibitions and events whilst learning about our local history and latest findings!