All change frequently asked questions

What is the event?

All Change is the opening event of the S&DR200 festival, celebrating 200 years of the passenger train - more information on the festival can be found on the programme page.

All Change will travel through time and place, as imitating the dog and SKYMAGIC bring their distinctive combination of technology, live performance and drone show to a celebration of the bold innovation, creative thinking and ingenuity that led to the world-changing opening of the S&DR. This unique show will freewheel through time from the spark of an idea to the early locomotives, which powered the world into a new era. A story which moved people then, today and into the future.  

S&DR200 is being delivered by Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

Major funders include Arts Council England, Tees Valley Combined Authority and The National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Other sponsors are LNER.

Where is the event taking place?

The event is hosted at 11Arches. The address is 11Arches, Flatts Farm, Toronto, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7SF.

How can I buy tickets?

Tickets are £5 each and can be puchased from the ticket website. 

Buy tickets for the opening event

Or from the Box Office, open from 12:30pm to 4pm Monday to Friday or contact them on 01388 436 030.

How do I get there?

What better way to arrive than by train? Our friends at Northern Rail will be running an extended service on the day of the event, please go to the Northern Railway website for tickets.

For ticket holders using public transport, the 11 Arches site is a 10-minute walk from the centre of Bishop Auckland.

Alternatively, there will be free shuttle buses running from Bishop Auckland Market Place and Train Station before and after the event. If you choose to drive, please car share where possible. Please be aware that with the exception of some limited bookable blue badge parking there is no parking on site. Car parking close to site will be extremely limited and attempting to park in the town centre may cause delays to yourself and others. If using a car we recommend booking a space in the park and ride car park at Locomotion and utilising the quick and easy shuttle service to site.

Tickets for the park and ride can be purchased for £5 per car as part of the ticket booking process.

Blue badge spaces can be booked from the Box Office, open from 12:30pm to 4pm Monday to Friday or contact them on 01388 436 030.

What time should I arrive?

The site will open to the public at 4:30pm and final entry is at 6:30pm. The event will finish at 7:30pm.

Shuttle buses from the Park & Ride at Locomotion, Shildon DL4 2RE will run from 4:30pm until 6pm before the show and will return you after the show. We aim to have everybody on their return transport within one hour of the end of the show.

Please note the time of the final shuttle bus services to site to ensure you arrive on time.

I have access needs and or need a companion ticket, what should I do?

Please contact our helpful team at the Box Office, open from 12:30pm to 4pm Monday to Friday and on 01388 436 030.

What facilities are available on site?

11 Arches is on beautifully landscaped grounds, nestled at the bottom of the escarpment on which Auckland Castle proudly sits.

The Tribune

The Tribune is comprised of 41 rows of standard raked seats, with shallow steps leading to the different sections.

Food and Drink and Retail

We have a number of retail and food outlets across the site, offering a range of food and drinks suitable for all appetites.

Cash Points

There are no cash point facilities onsite. We operate a cashless site and all payments must be made by cards.

Dedicated area for smoking and vaping

We have one designated smoking area, this is clearly sign-posted. Smoking and vaping is strictly prohibited elsewhere on site.

Footpaths

We strive to ensure that the site is enjoyable for all Visitors to 11 Arches shows. Our main visitor paths are DDA-compliant with a natural, fine stone surface. Some areas have grass or stone surfaces and wheelchair users may require the help of a Personal Assistant to access these areas.

Toilets

There are plenty of award-winning toilet facilities around the site in order to keep queues to a minimum. Baby changing facilities are also available in some washrooms. Accessible toilets are located at the Welcome Plaza, immediately adjacent to the Blue Badge Car Park, and directly behind the Tribune.

What do I need to do before I leave?

Restricted items

We take the safety and security of our visitors very seriously. On arrival at the site you will need to pass through bag and ticket-check. Our bag check and body scan team are there for your safety. Please cooperate fully with all security checks and support these vital members of our team as they carry out important work. All entry constitutes consent to search.

Bags are allowed, provided their dimensions do not exceed 40cm x 30cm x 20cm. We are not able to allow cold boxes and suitcases. As there are no Left Luggage facilities in the grounds (except for pushchairs and walking aids), we reserve the right to confiscate any forbidden item at security check; regretfully, confiscated items cannot be returned on exit.

No food and drink (including water) that you bring with you is allowed to go further than Ticket Check, except baby food or food for medical conditions. Empty drink containers are permitted, excluding aluminium water containers or flasks.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather: in the event of rain, the performance will go on!

Don't forget to check the forecast before you come. This is a live performance in the open air, so please come appropriately dressed for all weathers including comfortable footwear you are happy to walk in.

Umbrellas

The performance will take place in all weather conditions including rain. You can buy ponchos on the day of your visit from our retail outlets, and you can have an umbrella up anywhere, anytime, except in your seat during the show. To ensure everyone in the audience has a good view, we cannot allow umbrellas in the Tribune seating area.

Tickets

Make sure you have located all your tickets and prepare them to get fast access!

Tickets can be printed out or shown on your phone.

Get ready to present your parking voucher to the steward at the entrance of the car park you booked.

Please prepare your show tickets before your reach our turnstiles. If you do lose or forget your show ticket, just come to the Box Office (to the right of Ticket Check) and we'll print your ticket free of charge on presentation of ID from the lead booker.

Dogs

Due to the vibrant nature of the performances, we cannot allow dogs on site, with the exception of Guide dogs and Assistance dogs.