Get ready for some dancing in the streets as the annual tea dance is set to takeover the market square later this week.

The free event has proved a popular part of the town centre’s summer events programme and is organised by the Growing Older Living in Darlington (GOLD) with the support of Darlington Borough Council.

This year’s event is once again sponsored by HC-One, the Kind Care Company, which provides professional dementia, nursing, and residential care for older people in care homes across the UK.

Ringtons Ltd has donated tea and biscuits for participants to enjoy.

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Audrey Lax, GOLD chair, said: “We’re thrilled to once again be working with the council, HC-One and Ringtons to host our annual tea dance.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to meet friends, have some fun and find out about the wide range of organisations that offer support and activities for older people.

“There’s no need to book – just come along and join in the fun.”

The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Jan Cossins will be on hand to officially launch the tea dance.

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She said: “I’m looking forward to welcoming people into the Market Square for what promises to be a great afternoon of entertainment.”

James Tugendhat, HC-One’s chief executive officer, added: “HC-One is delighted to once again sponsor the GOLD tea dance. It’s a brilliant event which has always brought so many happy memories for all involved.

“As one of Darlington’s biggest employers, we love supporting 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, and we want to support those in our care to lead their best lives.

“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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Darren Billingham, events coordinator at Ringtons Ltd, said: “We’re delighted to be back for this year’s event and will be providing our tea and coffee to those who attend, as well as setting out a stall to offer our product for sale, including some new products alongside our core range of tea, coffee, biscuits and sweets.

“Founded by Samuel Smith and William Titterington in 1907, Ringtons transported its goods door to door with a horse and cart and still has a thriving door to door business now using our famous black and gold vans, with the 350-strong fleet wet to be all-electric by 2030.

“We pride ourselves on our fantastic customer service and our high-end products, and we’re looking forward to seeing some sunshine and lots of people enjoying themselves at the tea dance.”

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The fun kicks off at 11am on Thursday, July 20, and runs until 3pm, with free tea and cakes and plenty of music from Hep to Jive, an exciting live band specialising in ballroom, swing, and modern dance.

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