THEATRE, crafts, poetry and music will be taking centre stage in Darlington this weekend as the town's arts festival makes a return.

The event takes place from Friday until Monday and features a range of events including including gothic writing workshops, live music, theatre, poetry readings, exhibitions, film making, craft skills, dance and the chance to build a replica of the town clock.

It will be taking place at venues around the town, with a marquee in the market square and The Forum, Friends Meeting House, Hippodrome, The Majestic Theatre, Head of Steam museum and the Cornmill Shopping Centre also taking part.

Councillor Alan Marshall, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy, said: “Darlington has always enjoyed a thriving arts scene and I am delighted that we are able to support this showcase weekend of arts and activities.

"There really is something for everyone and I encourage people to take a look at the full programme to see what’s on offer and get involved.”

The marquee will be open from 10am-4pm from Friday to Sunday and will host about 40 stalls selling arts and crafts, with free activities and exhibitions also be on offer.

On Friday, there will also be a free semaphore session and flag making drop-in session, as well as music in the market hall and jazz and Peruvian music in the market square. In High Row, there will be poetry readings and there will be film shows and other activities at Guru Boutique and the Friends Meeting House, clock tower building on Saturday and a dance performance on Sunday.

Theatre goers can pay what they decide at a performance of Under Milk Wood by Green Theatre at the Friends Meeting House on Friday while tickets are on sale for The Cat and the Canary thriller at Darlington Hippodrome and music performances at The Forum Music Centre.

Craft workshops include lino print, make your own lampshade with Gillian Arnold, and there is a range of writing and poetry workshops across the weekend, as well as a photo exhibition at Crown Street Library, which opens on Monday and features work from Darlington Association of Photographers.

The festival is a joint venture managed by the council and sponsored by Darlington for Culture (DfC).

DfC’s chair, Jo Potter, added: “The council has recognised the benefit and success of other regional arts events in attracting people to town centres. DfC appreciates the council’s significant investment in the festival and we look forward to ensuring its regular place in the town’s events calendar.”

The full programme is at darlingtonforculture.org.

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