Durham’s Much-Loved Fire and Ice Event Set to Return in February 2026

Returning to the city from February 27–28, 2026, Fire and Ice Durham is set to once again transform the heart of Durham into a winter spectacle, promising two days of family-friendly entertainment. The much-loved annual event brings together striking ice sculptures, fiery live displays and interactive performances, inviting visitors of all ages to experience the city centre in a uniquely atmospheric way.

What is Fire and Ice Durham?

Fire and Ice Durham is an annual winter festival which includes world-class artists carving trails of ice sculptures, turning the heart of Durham city into a place of wonder. The self-guided trail is designed to encourage visitors to explore different parts of the city, including Market Place, Saddler Street and Palace Green, all while taking in the creativity on display. With no tickets or booking required, visitors are free to explore at their own pace, and Durham’s World Heritage Site is expected to look particularly striking throughout this brief, magical event.

The fire element allows visitors to capture flaming beacons lighting up the trail, creating a dramatic contrast against the ice sculptures. This also includes heat and flames surrounding live performances, adding another layer to the experience. Fire and ice shows have previously taken place at set times throughout the day, including 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5.30 p.m., giving visitors plenty of opportunity to plan their visit around the displays.

Organised by Durham BID, a business-led initiative that collects a levy to fund projects which improve the city’s visitor experience, the event allows for a high level of creativity across the city centre. Designed for all ages, Fire and Ice Durham offers families the chance to watch sculptures being carved in real time, creating a breathtaking yet educational experience that can spark a child’s imagination.

What are its themes?

Past Fire and Ice Durham themes have varied widely, often reflecting elements of culture, history and imagination. Previous years have seen ice sculptures inspired by local history, mythology, music, and popular culture, with installations drawing on characters from television favourites like Stranger Things and Doctor Who, while other editions have incorporated broader creative ideas such as music-inspired pieces that turned the city into a celebration of sound and rhythm. This variety shows that Fire and Ice Durham is designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and encourages visitors to discover something new around every corner.

The theme for this year hasn’t been officially announced yet, but there’s growing anticipation that it could once again draw on elements of local heritage or storytelling. For example, a sculpture of Saint Bede—a famed monk, author and scholar buried in Durham Cathedral—could be a compelling addition, while an ice tribute to Durham Castle would nod to the city’s rich history. After all, Durham has more than a millennium of documented heritage, dating back to when monks chose the site to lay the remains of Saint Cuthbert and establish a community here.

A child wearing blue gloves joyfully carves a large ice block with a chisel, as part of Fire and Ice Durham surrounded by onlookers. The scene is lively and engaging.

Fire and Ice Durham takes place from Friday, February 27, to Saturday, February 28, 2026, with visitors able to explore the city centre throughout the event. The festival is free to attend, making it an accessible experience for families and visitors of all ages. Further details and updates can be found via the official event listing on the This Is Durham website.