Argie Bhaji XL: The Tandoori Ashes FAQ’s

When?

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July 2025

What Time?

26th & 27th July

The main entrance gate is GATE 1
Gates Open: 12:00
Event Finishes: 19:00

Please note timings are subject to change. The most up to date information will always be provided here!

What to Expect

🔥 The ARGIE BHAJI goes XL with our summer festival of spice: The Tandoori Ashes 🔥🏏

Bringing one of our most iconic Food Battles out of the city and into a whole new arena, for the first time ever, we’re teaming up with Food Battles 44 to serve up something seriously special. 🎉

Usually based at Wylam Brewery and known for over 10 years of unforgettable foodie throwdowns, Food Battles 44 are hitting the road, and this time, they’re going XL! That means a bigger footprint, a new location, and even more epic eats and entertainment than ever before.

Expect the same high-energy vibes, our signature “Curry Is Life” mantra, and a weekend full of:
🍛 🔥 Fiery cook-offs
🎶 💃 Live DJs, dancers & dhol beats
🍹 🍺 Street drinks, cocktails & cold beers
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 🎈 Family fun & foodie games

It’s bold, it’s spicy, and it’s all happening at Banks Homes Riverside, home of Durham Cricket. Come hungry… and bring your whole crew. 🌶️🎊

Which Food Traders Will Be There?

My Delhi
Funky Indian Wali
Bombay Express
Chakh Dhoom
Big Fat Indian Kitchen
Gnocchi Gnights
Dou_h & Co

Here's How It Works

Ready to feast? Here’s how you get involved in the Tandoori Ashes 🔥

When you arrive, swing by our Token Stalls to grab your foodie currency, tokens are £5 each, pay via cash or card, each one gets you one dish from any of our epic street food vendors. 🙌

The portions are perfectly sized for sampling, so you can try more dishes, taste more flavours, and cast a well-fed vote for your favourite! 😋 The trader with the most votes online wins the ultimate title: Tandoori Ashes Champion 2025 🏆

So bring your appetite, it’s time to eat, explore, and decide who really brings the heat! 🌶️👑

Will There Be Entertainment?

Yes! This isn’t just a food festival, it’s a full-on celebration of flavour, culture and rhythm! 🎉🍛

We’ve teamed up with the incredible Creative Inclusive Arts to bring the heat all weekend long! 🔥 Expect high-energy dhol drummers, vibrant Bollywood dancers, and stunning henna artists creating unforgettable vibes throughout the event! 💃🥁🌸

Whether you’re coming for the food, the music, or the memories… there’s something for everyone at Argie Bhaji XL. It’s a weekend full of colour, culture, and good times for the whole family! 🎊

Do I Need Tickets?

No! All you need is yourself, come along anytime between 12pm and 7pm and have a blast!

Travel and Parking from the North and South

Durham Cricket, Banks Homes Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR

Travelling to Durham Cricket, Banks Home Riverside

By Road:
Durham Cricket, Banks Homes Riverside is located just 1.5 miles from junction 63 on the A1(M).

From the North:
Take the fourth exit on the roundabout at junction 63 and head along the A167 towards Chester-le-Street. At the first roundabout take the first exit to continue to the A167 towards Durham. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto the B1284 towards Houghton-le-Spring and the Lumley Castle Hotel. At the next roundabout take the third exit towards Banks Homes Riverside.

From the South:
Take the first exit on the roundabout at junction 63 and head along the A167 towards Chester-le-Street. At the first roundabout take the first exit to continue the A167 towards Durham. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto the B1284 towards Houghton-le-Spring and the Lumley Castle Hotel. At the next roundabout take the third exit towards Banks Homes Riverside.

By Taxi:
Blue Line Taxis are in operation around Durham Cricket and are our chosen provider for travel, these can be pre-booked by ringing 0191 388 7766.

By Bus:
There is an extensive local bus network operating to and from Chester-le-Street. Routes north / south from Newcastle to several destinations (e.g., Durham, Bishop Auckland), and east / west (e.g., Sunderland, Consett).

From Newcastle:
The 21 bus leaves from Newcastle Eldon Square and takes approximately an hour to reach Chester-le-Street. Every 21 bus stops at Chester-le-Street Coral’s and half stop Chester-le-Street Black Horse so consult the Go North East journey planner before making your journey. The route goes from Newcastle through Gateshead and Birtley before arriving at Chester-le-Street.

From Durham:
The 21 bus leaves from Durham Bus Station and takes approximately 15 minutes to reach Chester-le-Street. Every 21 bus stops at Chester-le-Street Red Lion and half stop Chester-le-Street Black Horse so consult the Go North East journey planner before making your journey.

From Sunderland:
The 78 bus leaves from Sunderland Interchange and takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Chester-le- Street. Every 78 bus stops at Chester-le-Street South Burns. The route goes from Sunderland through Hastings Hill, Bournmoor and Great Lumley before arriving at Chester-le-Street.

The 71 bus leaves from Houghton le Spring direct to Chester le Street Red Lions and takes approximately 25 minutes. Every 71 bus stops at: Great Lumley, Warrior’s Arms, Fence Houses Rail Crossing, Burnside Estate, Abbey Drive and Houghton-le-Spring Church.

If travelling from Sunderland, you can get the 20 Prince Bishops Bus from Sunderland Interchange to Houghton le Spring and then access the 71 to Chester le Street.

Car Parking

Car parking at the venue is available in the pay and display council owned car parks. For this event, no car parking will be offered inside the ground. Guests can either pay with cash or by using the Pay by Phone App. For a full list of car parking charges please find them detailed here: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/3485/Chester-le-Street-car-parks

Venue

Will there be seats?
Oh yes! 🪑 We’ve got 300 seats available, first-come, first-served, so grab a spot when you can! And if you’re waiting, why not have a little dance? 💃 And don’t forget about our stands, with over 14,000 seats and stunning views of Lumley Castle and the County Durham Riverside, it’s the perfect backdrop for snapping a photo! 📸✨

Is this event accessible?
Yes, Argie Bhaji XL is fully accessible. The entire event takes place on the ground floor within our concourse area, with step-free access throughout. We also have two fully accessible toilets available, including a Changing Places facility for those who need it.

Is the festival outdoors?
Yes! 🌞🌧️ We’ve got amazing hot food traders trading outside. Just make sure to dress for the weather , rain or shine, we’re ready! ☔🌤️

If it rains, will the festival still go ahead?
You bet! 💪 The festival is ON rain or shine, so come prepared! The only time we’ll cancel is if it’s dangerous. Don’t worry though, we’ve got some undercover seating if needed! 🏖️☔

What are the toilet facilities?
You’ll have easy access to toilets all around! 🚻 We’ve got accessible toilets, changing places space and baby changing facilities too! 👶

Is there a cash machine?
There’s no on-site ATM, so bring the cash you’ll need and a backup card for tasty treats you can’t say no to. 💸 Don’t fret because all food vendors accept card payments! 💳

Onsite bar facilities?
If you’re grabbing a drink from Durham Cricket’s bar, be sure to bring your card, they’re card payments only! 🍻🥤

Is it dog friendly?
Absolutely! 🐾 The grounds are dog friendly, so bring your furry friends!  The only stipulation… please keep them off any seating, tables & clean up after them. 🐕

Security

Bag Policy
Bags are totally fine, bring yours along! 🎒

Food & Drink
Heads up! No outside food or drink allowed at the festival 🍔🚫 Only what you purchase on-site can be enjoyed in the venue. Oh, and no liquids over 600ml either, BUT, you can bring 1 empty reusable bottle to refill at our free water stations 🚰

Can I bring an umbrella?
Absolutely! 🌂

Can I bring a camera?
YES! 📸 Don’t forget to snap your selfies and tag us! 🎉