Slap on the sun cream and dig out your bucket and spade – the beach is coming to town as Darlington by the Sea returns!

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

The five-day-long beachy extravaganza kicked off yesterday (Wednesday, July 24), and is set to continue until Sunday, July 28. 

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Each day from 11am until 5pm families can enjoy free sandcastle building, activities, entertainment and fun and games. 

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Tonnes of sand has been delivered to the market square to create a clean beach right in the middle of town.

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

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The beach will be open Wednesday to Sunday, from 11am to 5pm, with deckchairs and beach toys available for families to enjoy.

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)


Darlington Borough Council thanked sponsors Arriva North East and JT Atkinson Builders Merchant for helping with the play sand which will be redistributed to playgrounds after the event.

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, said: “Darlington by the Sea is always one of our most popular events and I hope families of all ages will come down and join in the fun.

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

“For some families a trip to the coast isn’t always easy and so it’s great to bring the beach to everyone in this way.”

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)