Thousands flock to Hullabaloo in the Park in Darlington

The popular park was filled with art, theatre, and fun this weekend as "one of the most family-friendly festivals in the county" kicked off for 2024. 

Children and their parents were in for a treat with a huge line-up of performances, music, dance, and messy play across three days. 

Organised by Theatre Hullabaloo, which has earned a national reputation for its festivals, the event gave children under 10 the chance to "enjoy the magic of creativity".

Hullabaloo in the Park, in South Park, Darlington (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Even some bouts of heavy rain on Saturday didn't stop the enjoyment - and those who chose to attend on Sunday were lucky enough to bask in the summer sun. 

Pictures from the event on Sunday show kids and parents enjoying taking part in crafts, watching live entertainment, and even enjoying an ice cream or two.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I am pleased we supported the Hullabaloo in the Park through the Combined Authority funding to help make it happen.

“It was a great family day out, and even a bit, well, quite a lot of rain [on Saturday] couldn’t dampen the spirits.”

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Darlington MP Lola McEvoy also attended the event on Saturday, adding: "I had a brilliant time this morning (Saturday) at Hullabaloo in the Park.

"What an absolute joy it is to see South Park blooming with flowers and so many creative spaces for kids to enjoy. 

"It's one of the best creative examples of public art and children's events in the country - and it is right on our doorstep. Well done to everyone involved for all of their hard work."

Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO)Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO)
Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO) Hundreds of families had a blast this weekend as Hullabaloo in the Park returned (Image: STUART BOULTON / THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Ben Dickenson, Chief Executive Officer at Theatre Hullabaloo, said: "It has exceeded our expectation this year.

"There were around 18,000 attendances over the weekend - last year, over five days, we had 13,000 attendances.

"Over 10,000 people attended in three days, which is particularly great given yesterday (Saturday) we had the heavens open and we were able to carry on."

Ben added that teams surveyed over 180 people during the event for feedback, and received "not one single negative comment".