Here are all of Durham’s best June events for a wholesome start to your summer

Party time with charity in mind

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Exams are finally finished and the summer is in sight. With a few weeks to fill before the end of term, facebook is flooded with an endless line up of events on offer in Durham, but which are worth your time?

Whilst we've already shared our top picks for a post-exam party, June will also see Durham play host to a whole range of fantastic music, food and sports events with a charitable backdrop.

From Re-f-use's delicious and budget friendly "Pay As You Feel" restaurant nights to Durham African and Caribbean Society's Carnival Cruise in aid of a special needs school in Grenada, here's our list of the best ways to celebrate the end of term in style whilst helping a good cause.

Durham for Refugees festival

Held in the beautiful grounds of St. Chad's College, the North East's largest refugee festival is promising to be a day like no other. Starting with a chilled group meditation at 1.30pm, the event is open to all, and aims to be a "lovely way of getting students and local Syrians together," says organiser, Alannah Travers. Most importantly, alongside the live music, meditation, delicious food and creative activities, the panel discussions and talks aim to help provide "a platform for discussion about the global refugee crisis, and ways we can all help," she says.

Live music will run from 2pm to 10pm and features a fantastic line up including Normanton Street, The Wayfarers, Sophie Hudson, Matthew Jeal and Angus Beauchamp, Chronotic Brass and Newcastle-based refugee band 'The Crossings' to name a few.

With stalls and creative events filling Chad's beautiful gardens; the Quad full of delicious food prepped by FoodCycle, RefUse and Lebeneat; and a series of inspiring talks held in Chad's chapel, there will be something for everyone.

Head to the Facebook event for all the details, including a full list of musicians and speakers.

Buy tickets here. £5 for Chad's, £7 for non-Chad's

Re-f-use Restaurant Nights & Eco Fest

Tables are already booking up fast for our next 2 restaurant nights.Thursday 7th June: Indian ThaliThursday 21st…

Posted by Re-f-use on Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Local organisation Re-f-Use, co-founded by Durham Alumni Nikki Dravers, has made a name for itself in the Durham community as an innovative platform for raising awareness and understanding of food waste.

Their beautiful new home in Chester-le-Street is only a stone's throw away from Durham, and is open to the public daily (check opening times on their Facebook page). Collecting unwanted food from retailers, caterers, farms and wholesalers as part of the UK-wide 'Real Junk Food Project' and operates a "Pay As You Feel" policy.

June will see Re-f-use run a whole host of exciting events, with two upcoming "Pay As You Feel" restaurant nights (7th June: Curry Night, 14th June: 'Free From' night), as well as catering two environmental festivals: Neville's Cross Eco Fest and Durham Uni's "Footprint" event.

Book a space at one of their two Restaurant Nights by messaging the Re-f-use Facebook page.

African & Caribbean Society's Carnival Cruise and La Fête

African and Caribbean Society are promising to deliver the ultimate summer party with their all new, double-whammy event on 4th June: Carnival Cruise and La Fête. Starting at 3pm, the festival themed Carnival Cruise promises "Patties, Jerk Chicken, Plantains and copious amounts of rum" with their fully stocked bar aboard the popular Prince Bishop River Cruiser.

The party doesn't stop there, however. The evening will see La Fête at Fabio's, where Newcastle's DJ Eski promises to bring "the best songs from RnB, HipHop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, Trap and more". This 'smart casual' evening also has VIP tickets on offer, with access to Fabio's balcony and free drink vouchers.

Proceeds from all ticket sales will go directly to the 40 students of St Andrews's School (in Grenville, Grenada) through Sunshine Foundation for Special Education.

ACS President Folarin Osinbajo says: "The ACS Exec have worked incredibly hard the past few months to bring Carnival to Durham unlike ever before, as well as host the most exclusive A-list night out at Fabio's. So make sure you invite all your friends, wherever they’re from, and come celebrate with us at Carnival Cruise and La Fête. Everyone is invited!"

Tickets available here.

Tickets for Carnival Cruise end on 1st June, La Fête tickets will continue until the 4th.

Durham Trash Run

After the success of last year's event through "Let's Do Something BIG", the Durham Trash Run is now a regular in the calendar. Open to all – regular runners and novices, the run is a chance to et outside, do some exercise and meet new people – all whilst helping keep Durham clean and green.

Meet outside DSU at 11am on 17th June, with coffee and a chat afterwards.

Keep an eye on the Facebook event for updates.