Hello, my name is Janice Ross and I am Chair of Burnhope Partnership, a voluntary organisation which brings together the groups of Burnhope Parish. It was the Heritage Group that brought an idea to the Partnership earlier this year to suggest a celebration of a very special centenary - we want you to be part of that!

100 years ago, Burnhope hosted the only Durham Miners' Gala ever to be held outside of Durham City. In 2026, we're celebrating our heritage with a village-wide programme of events - and we want you to part of it! You can find out more on our website or at our Facebook Page. LET'S CELEBRATE TOGETHER WITH LOTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO...

Fundraiser Events - come along to coffee mornings, craft club, quizzes and table top fairs to enjoy the company of your neighbours whilst raising funds.

The Centenary Celebrations are being held over 15th, 16th and 17th May 2026 where events happen across the village:

Burnhope Heritage Trail - we're creating 30 permanent plaques marking old shops, amenities, and mining landmarks. These will form four walking trails through the village and countryside for people to enjoy for generations. You can sponsor a plaque by contacting us.

Fundraising events - over the next few months residents and friends will be holding events to ensure we hit our target of £34,000 needed to deliver an inclusive heritage project that is sustainable. The team has already raised more than a quarter of this! Watch out for coffee mornings, quiz nights, race nights, table top fairs and lots more.

Huge thanks to those who have already awarded or promised funding including Coalfields Regeneration Trust, The Story, and Sir James Knott Trust, with the team working hard on additional applications. Extra special thanks to the people of Burnhope who have pledged their support for the Heritage Trail plaques and specific parts of the project; we are forever grateful.

Local support for this important project is vital and we are inspired by a new group of vibrant volunteers who have pledged their time to make this happen. If you'd like to get involved, please get in touch.

Make a donation If you're able to make a donation, however small, you'll see the fruits of your kindness in 2026, when we'll record the joy of the events with photos, video footage and a special edition of the Burnhope Wheel*.

Burnhope is a wonderful place to belong, whether you've lived here all your life or have moved here more recently. Let's celebrate together and ensure our heritage is protected for the generations to come.

Many thanks

Janice Ross MBE

You can see our most recent Burnhope Wheel Magazine here February 2026 Burnhope Wheel and the previous one at Burnhope Wheel Autumn 2025 - Heritage Edition, which is a special heritage edition and has lots of information. It is produced and delivered entirely by volunteers. We raise funds to pay for the printing.