‘Brand new’ festival BishFest coming to Bishop Auckland

The event, called BishFest, will take place over the weekend of July 11 and 12.

It will see 14 bands performing at the Vest Construction Stadium, over the two days.

Festival organisers are hoping for a good turnout, having noticed significant public demand for a music festival to be held in the town.

They are promising a “packed weekend of live music, energy, and atmosphere.”

The festival will be inclusive, and all are welcome, including the disabled and wheelchair users, organisers say.

The event will be headlined by the popular ska band Bad Manners on the Saturday.

More bands announced for the festival include Bishop Auckland’s rock and roll band Circuit 68, symphonic rock/metal act Winter In Eden, and five-piece funk/soul ensemble JD & The Woodsmen.

JD & The Woodsmen are known for their “outstanding live shows” and “powerhouse vocalist Gemma”, and have been entertaining since 2012.

Other bands on the line-up include The Fabs, Stellacaster, and The Ded Wrongenz.

Tickets for the event will be priced at £30 for adults attending on the Saturday, and £20 on the Sunday, with offers for early bird purchases before 1 April 2026.

Children aged 13–17 can attend for £15 on Saturday and £10 on the Sunday when purchased with an adult ticket, and under 13s can attend for free.