Sedgefield is a vibrant and very positive village. Equidistant from the A1(M) and A19 and only 20 mins from the East Coast Railway line at Durham or Darlington it is perfectly placed to quickly reach local destinations as well as further afield. Originally a mediaeval village built around the village green and Norman church, Sedgefield saw a boom in growth in the 1960s and 70s when a large number of new homes were built to house the families of the workforce of the burgeoning Teesside industrial conurbation.
From this grew the extremely wide variety of leisure activities for all ages, from the tiniest baby and their mum to those of us of a certain age who really are not yet quite ready to go gently into that long goodnight! The pro-active Community Association, housed in Ceddesfeld Hall in the centre of the village, leads by example in organising several annual events which draw into the village visitors from far and wide: the Easter Family Day, the Mediaeval Fayre in May, Family Day in August, the Fireworks Display, and the Snow Parade in late November. are all extremely popular events. The Parish Church holds a magical Christmas Tree Festival every two years when many local businesses, shops and community organisations decorate a tree to a given theme; these are then exhibited in the church throughout the Festive season. Our monthly Farmers' Market harks back to the origins of our village and has fast become a hard fixture in the calendar of village events. There are innumerable Sports societies as well as two Drama groups, three Singing groups, many craft and/or art groups, several groups aimed solely at the young or for our older residents, and several national affiliates such as WI and Rotary or Inner Wheel.
Registered as a park of exceptional historical Interest, Hardwick Hall Country Park lies just to the west of the village. With its large ornamental lake and refurbished 17th Century temples, grottos and follies hidden among the trees and landscaped paths and boardwalks, many a pleasant hour can be spent strolling, walking the dog, feeding the ducks and taking advantage of the many views and opportunities for fantastic photographs.
We are extremely lucky to have the only racecourse in County Durham on our doorstep. Although primarily a winter racecourse, with meetings from September through to January, with its reputation for a warm and relaxed atmosphere, it is also a popular venue for celebratory events and functions of all kinds throughout the year.
Since Mediaeval times, each Shrove Tuesday sees the village green and centre overcome with hordes of men and boys taking part in the annual football game.
Originally a fiercely fought game between the local tradesmen and farmers, this remains a highly competitive event with the eventual honour going to the person who 'alleys' the ball in a local stream at the end of the afternoon.
Sedgefield Show takes place on the second Saturday in August and is an opportunity for local farmers to compete in cattle and sheep competitions and to exhibit vintage tractors and machinery. Local people and visitors show their small animals and there is a highly competitive dog show as well as a gymkhana and carriage driving.
Favourite marquees exhibit displays of farm produce as well as more domestic horticulture, home baking and jam making competitions. There is a competitive element too to the handicraft, art and floral exhibits, while local children are encouraged to enter their own efforts into the classes arranged for them.
The following Saturday, Hardwick Live takes place in the hotel grounds adjacent to Hardwick Park.
Many big names in the music industry - and some having their first experience of playing on the big stage - take part in our very own Festival. This year was the tenth anniversary of increasingly famous musicians, vocalists and DJs visiting Sedgefield to entertain thousands of people of all ages over a three day weekend.
We're very proud to be part of the UK's Summer Festival circuit and while we may not yet match such as Glastonbury or Leeds, we do put on a very good show!
Together with, it seems, a pub, restaurant or cafe on every corner of the village centre, we are exceptionally well served for venues to meet neighbours, friends and family for a drink or celebratory meal at any time of the day throughout the year.
If you don't know our village, do make it a priority to visit very soon. You won't be disappointed!
