WHAT TO DO IN DURHAM OVER THE EASTER BREAK

Picture the scene: the Easter holidays have just hit the two week mark in deserted Durham. The college halls seem to have withered with silence and amongst the queue for the Tesco self-checkout there is not a flash of DU purple to be seen.

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As dystopian as this may seem, it is a reality for those students who choose to remain in Durham over the holidays. Whether the place you call home is just too far to return to, or your Billy B addiction is too insatiable to head back to your family, it is clear that a little help to get through the break would not go amiss.

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It would seem that this would be an appropriate opportunity for students to explore a little more of their corner of the North East. I could recommend, for example, that you spend half an hour on the bus in order to enjoy the beautiful Barnard Castle, or even advise a fifteen minute train journey to Darlington, a quaint market town.

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However, doing so would be about as effective as using Zizzi vouchers as an incentive to vote for college executive committee elections i.e. not very. As a friend once calculated, the typical Bailey College student tends to stay within a 0.2 mile radius of the Cathedral at all times.

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Therefore, perhaps we can remain in our Durham bubble but try to experience it in a more cultural – less Paddy’s orientated – way. For example, for those bookworms out there, why not attend the Colpitts Poetry reading to hear S. J. Litherhand and Diane Cockburn read from their latest collections (Friday 12th April, 7.30pm at Alington House). Alternatively, give Crime Book Group a go, for a lively discussion with Neil Broadfoot about his book ‘No Man’s Land’ (Saturday 13th, 10am at Waterstones, Durham). Durham even provides for the DST fanatics among us, with a live broadcasting of the RSC’s ‘As you like it’ (17th April, 7pm at The Gala Theatre and Cinema).

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For those STEM students whose fondness of culture does not stretch far enough for these activities, the Full Moon Market might be more suitable; it serves both a variety of street food and live music which by all accounts makes for a relaxing afternoon (12th April, 4-9pm in Market Square). If live music sounds like the most exciting part of the market, Durham Cathedral Choir are performing a Palm Sunday rendition of Bach’s St John Passion amongst other choral pieces, which would be both enlightening and inexpensive to attend (14th April, 7pm at Durham Cathedral).

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My final recommendation may constitute a stretch for the student budget – that is, unless you are using a signet-ring clad finger to scroll through this article. But, perhaps, it is a worthwhile extravagance for one used to spending Easter with family. To stave off any homesick-related blues, why not take yourself and a friend out for Afternoon Tea in true Durham style at Crook Hall and Gardens. Some stunning grounds and a generous helping of baked good could induce rare Darjeeling-soaked calm in pre-exam season (21st and 22nd April at Crook Hall & Gardens – be sure to pre-book on 0191 384 8028).

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But, however you choose to fill the remainder of your holiday, remember that an over-sized chocolate egg and a call home are essential.

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Happy Easter!