A popular dance event is returning to Darlington after a three-year absence.

People are being urged to dust off their dancing shoes and join in the fun in the Market Square tomorrow (Thursday, July 21).

The Growing Older Living in Darlington (GOLD) event has not taken place since 2019.

Audrey Lax, GOLD chair, said:“It’s been three years since the last tea dance and as things are slowly returning to normal, we look forward to hosting GOLD’s annual tea dance in the Market Square.

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“Come along and enjoy this event and meet up with friends – we look forward to seeing you there.”

The free event is supported by Darlington Borough Council and sponsored by HC-One, a national care company with headquarteres in the town. 

The toe-tapping fun kicks off at 11am and runs until 3pm, with free tea and cakes and plenty of music from The Daisies – a vocal harmony group - to encourage dancing in the square.

The Texas Toe Tappers will also be giving a display of Western line dancing.

There will be a host of information stands including Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum, Home Instead, Medequip, the council’s Lifeline services, Diabetes UK, Healthwatch Darlington, Middleton Hall Retirement Village, Foresters Friendly Society, Darlington for Culture, Co Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Darlington Libraries, Citizens Advice Bureau and Darlington Social Care’s Occupational Therapy Team.

Participants can also take park in a prize draw and raffle, with a hamper donated by Robin Blair, of family-run greengrocers JJ Blair & Sons.

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The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor AnneMarie Curry, who will launch the tea dance said: "It is an honour to open this very successful event. I hope to see many people enjoying themselves and the music. It also is an excellent way to enjoy some exercise in the sun and with so many friends around you."

James Tugendhat, HC-One’s chief executive officer, added: “HC-One is delighted to sponsor this year’s GOLD tea dance. It’s fantastic to see the event return after three years, as it has always brought so many happy memories for all involved.

“As one of Darlington’s biggest employers, it’s important to us as an organisation to show our support to our community, local initiatives and events such as the GOLD tea dance.  

“As the Kind Care Company, it is our mission to provide the kindest support and care to residents living in our care homes, as we strive to be the first-choice care provider in each of the communities that we serve. We are proud to support the work that Growing Older Living in Darlington and Darlington Borough Council carries out to help provide a brighter, active and more positive future for older people living in our local community.”

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