A fundraising concert at a historic Bishop Auckland chapel will raise money for organisations helping young people across the region.
The concert will be held at St Peter’s Chapel, Auckland Palace, on November 12 to support the High Sheriff of Durham’s campaign.
Dr Arnab Basu MBE DL, the current High Sheriff, said: "I'm very grateful to The Auckland Project for hosting this concert and helping us raise funds for the High Sheriff's Youth Awards.
St Peter's Chapel, Auckland Palace (Image: Supplied)
"During my year so far as High Sheriff, I've already had the opportunity to visit some remarkable organisations working with young people, often in communities facing considerable challenges.
"I've seen first-hand the difference that relatively modest amounts of funding can make to the work they do.
"The concert should be a very enjoyable evening in a wonderful setting, and I hope people will come along, support the event and help us to support more community organisations next year."
High Sheriff Dr Arnab Basu, wIth staff and children at Fishburn Community and Youth Centre, a 2026 High Sheriff Award winner (Image: Supplied)
Since 2012, the awards, facilitated by Point North, have supported more than 120 grassroots organisations and 46,000 young people across the region.
Dr Basu is focusing on improving opportunities for young people facing disadvantage, mental health challenges or the risk of crime.
St Peter’s Chapel was built around 1190 as a medieval hall during Bishop Hugh du Puiset’s time before being converted into a chapel by Bishop John Cosin in 1665.
The High Sheriff with children at awards winning Fishburn Youth Centre (Image: Supplied)
Jane Ruffer, CEO and co-founder of The Auckland Project, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming guests to Auckland Palace for what promises to be a wonderful evening of music in support of such an important cause.
"Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances, and the High Sheriff's Youth Awards play a vital role in helping grassroots organisations make that possible.
"We are proud to support Dr Basu’s efforts to make a lasting difference to young people across our region and hope the concert will raise valuable funds for the organisations doing such remarkable work in our communities."
The Auckland Project is a regeneration charity founded in 2012.
Aerial view of Bishop Auckland - Auckland Palace, St Peter's Chapel, Walled Garden, Faith Museum and Deer Park (Image: Supplied)
It aims to turn Bishop Auckland into a cultural destination through art, heritage, education and community work.
Visitors can explore Auckland Palace, once home to the Prince Bishops of County Durham, its restored gardens, 150-acre Deer Park, Spanish Gallery, Mining Art Gallery and Faith Museum.
The charity also runs community programmes and works with local schools and colleges to support economic growth and pride in the region’s history.
Bishop Auckland College is sponsoring the concert, which is limited to 110 guests.
Guests will enjoy wine and canapés during the interval, followed by an auction to raise more money for the awards.
Bishop Auckland Town Council is sponsoring a VIP event for 30 guests from 6.30pm to 7.15pm beforehand.
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Standard tickets cost £30 and VIP tickets £50.
Book tickets and find out more at aucklandproject.org/event/high-sheriff-durham-fundraising-concert.
Find out more about The Auckland Project at aucklandproject.org.