Excitement is building ahead of the explosive return of Darlington’s South Park Firework display this Saturday (November 5) for the first time in 11 years.

The event is sure to go off with a bang with thousands of residents set to attend after wristbands for the event sold out in less than five days.

The huge event is being held on Bonfire Night itself and promises a firework display, light show, street food stalls, and fairground attractions for all the family.

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It will be the first time in 11 years that the South Park fireworks event will be held in Darlington, although displays have taken place at the Northern Echo Arena in recent years.

Anyone wishing to attend will have to have a wristband, proving they’re a Darlington resident.

Some people were left disappointed when the event sold out with some online branding it a ‘joke’ and ‘not fair’ after wristbands went in less than five days.

For those attending the event this weekend, there is a host of road closures to know about, and parking in some areas may be limited.

Road closures

A series of road closures will be in place from 3pm on Saturday November 5 with council bosses asking people to minimise movement through the town on the day.

The roads affected by closures are:

  • Victoria Embankment
  • Bedford Street
  • Clifton Road
  • Henderson Street
  • Smithfield Road
  • Parkside

Parts of Grange Road and Victoria Road will also be subject to a clearway and tow away zone.

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A spokesperson for Darlington Council said: “Residents living within this area will still be able to access their properties with vehicle access passes.

“We’ll be asking them to use a temporary entry/exit point on Park Lane, which we realise may give people a longer route to their home, and we thank people for their understanding and patience.”

Parking

People are being urged to walk to the event if possible as roads and car parks in and around the town are expected to be busier than usual.

Car parks in the town centre car parks will be open with 800 free ‘park and stride’ spaces at the Mowden Rugby Club Arena.

Accessible parking will be available at Darlington Football Club (Blackwell Meadows), off Grange Road for anyone with a blue badge with them.

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