DARLINGTON Community Carnival is back this year after a two-year break and organisers have announced their plans for it to be bigger and better than ever before.

The summer event will return to the town on Saturday June 25 after two years, as it could not go ahead in 2020 and 2021 due the pandemic.

Organisers have announced that 1000 people will be participating in the procession through the streets of the town.

The procession is set to include; Darlington Academy of Performing Arts, Red Hall Dancers, St. Columbus Rainbows and Brownies, Holy Trinity Church and Darlington College.

The Northern Echo: Darlington Community Carnival will return this year on Saturday June 25Darlington Community Carnival will return this year on Saturday June 25

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The theme of this year’s carnival is ‘The Magic of the Musicals’ and organisers are hoping it will be a joyous celebration of community life after two difficult years.

One of the organisers, Martin Wood, said: “We think this year will be bigger and better than before. With everything that’s happened over the last couple of years I’m sure the community is ready for a bit of a party.”

The Northern Echo:

Music and dance performances will occur at various locations in the town throughout the day, with a full line-up of performers at the main stage in Stanhope Park curated by the Forum Music Centre, and further displays at the ‘Platform in the Park.’

So far, confirmed performance acts include; Identity Theatre, Stage Darlington, Darlington Cheerleader Dolls and Voices of Darlington, with more to be confirmed.

The Northern Echo: The event will include a procession through town and performances in Stanhope Park. Picture: SARAH CALDEOCTTThe event will include a procession through town and performances in Stanhope Park. Picture: SARAH CALDEOCTT

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The programme for the day will be as follows:

9.45 Performances in the Market Square and at Pease Monument

11:00 Stalls start trading in Stanhope Park

11:30 Parade leaves Market Square

12:00 Mainstage programme starts

17:00 Carnival closes

Charities and community groups wishing to book stalls in Stanhope Park on the day should email admin@darlingtoncommunitycarnival.com

This year’s carnival charity is the Darlington Social Club for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the event is being sponsored by Darlington Bondgate Roundtable.

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