003550 - Flagship Festival 2027
Durham County Council is seeking an experienced delivery partner to develop and deliver a new flagship cultural event for County Durham. The contract requires an original, participatory and distinctive event that moves beyond traditional festival models, reflects the county’s identity, and combines culture, creativity, innovation, technology and community engagement. The successful supplier will be expected to create a defining cultural occasion with potential to become a recurring, nationally recognised event, while generating lasting cultural, social and economic benefits and enhancing County Durham’s reputation. The scope must include meaningful opportunities for local participation, skills development and talent progression, particularly for children and young people, with communities actively involved in shaping and delivering the event. The estimated contract value is £1,500,000, with no contract duration or delivery timeframe specified; delivery is in County Durham, within the UKC14 region. The critical qualification is demonstrable experience delivering comparable large-scale cultural or festival events.
Buyer: Durham County Council. Source: Find a Tender. Updated 2 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £1.5m
- Bids close: 29 Oct 2026
- Location: Durham CC
- Procedure: Competitive flexible procedure
- Contract period: 1 Mar 2027 to 28 Feb 2029
- Category: Exhibition, fair and congress organisation services (79950000)
From the official notice
Durham County Council is seeking an experienced and innovative delivery partner to develop and deliver a new flagship cultural event for County Durham. The Council is looking for a bold, ambitious and distinctive proposition that represents a step change from traditional festival models and has the potential to become a recurring, nationally recognised event. The successful proposal should be original, participatory and rooted in County Durham's unique identity, bringing together culture, creativity, innovation, technology and community engagement. The event should create a defining cultural moment for the county, enhancing its reputation as a place of creativity and excellence, while delivering lasting cultural, social and economic benefits. Proposals must demonstrate strong opportunities for participation, skills development and talent progression, particularly for children and young people, ensuring local communities play an active role in shaping and delivering the event.
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 29 Oct 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £1.5m.
Who can apply?
Any supplier that meets the buyer's requirements can apply. Check the official notice for conditions.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
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