The fabulous Darlington Pride Weekender 2024 returned this weekend and hundreds of people flooded the town to spread the message of unity, acceptance and love. 

A Pride March kicks off the event every year with hundreds of local businesses, services people and dogs donning their rainbows and 'carnival' attire taking to the streets to spread joy and fabulousness around the town- and this year I wanted to be part of it. 

The sun was shining and the atmosphere was electric. Spectators lined either side of High Row as the march, led by Darlington drag legend Tess Tickle and friends, made its way up the packed street.  couldn't help but feel my heart swell. I had originally gone into town to record the march for The Northern Echo, but after seeing the jubilation and happiness from everyone who marched past me, I felt like I just had to join in.

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

I've never seen such a display of happiness, not only from the people partaking in the march but also from the hundreds of others who lined the streets to watch the parade go past. 

Starting in the Market Square, the parade made its way along High Row, before heading along Bondgate and Skinnergate and then back down Blackwell Gate, returning to the Market Square where it culminated in a massive festival for the rest of the afternoon. 

Throughout the parade, I saw people from all walks of life taking part, from big Darlington companies like HC One who were at the front of the parade and Darlington Building Society who stood on High Row blowing bubbles and cheering, to members of the North East Ambulance Service sharing that they were 'proud to support pride' and members of the public who wanted to express their support. It was amazing. 

One woman wore a t-shirt that said 'free mum hugs' that tugged on my heartstrings more than I expected as I realised just how important it was that we still celebrated Pride.

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

As the parade made its way around town, with me now tagging along, I was shocked by the number of people standing outside pubs, shops and other businesses to show their support for the march. Rumours of potential unrest I had seen on social media were soon quashed and people who you may not expect to show support were there with their flags or clapping and cheering. 

The music was loud, the air horns were blaring and rainbows adorned the streets of Darlington.

As the parade came to an end and people began to flood the Market Square, I stepped to the side, slightly overwhelmed by the jubilation I had just been part of. I immediately messaged my Whatsapp groups chat with my friends who are also Darlington natives with the words 'I've never been so proud of Darlo.'

Unfortunately, duty called so I had to leave town and head back to the office, so was unable to take part in the rest of the day's events, but from what I saw across social media and from our photographer's pictures, it looked like the rest of the afternoon was full of much of the same atmosphere with performances from Darlington Operatic Society, Young Elton (who I've seen a video of and he was amazing), Making it Madonna and more, with the day coming to an end at 6:30pm. 

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

The fun continued with Pride in the Park on Sunday (August 11) with families being invited to join the fun with their picnics. Crafts, face painting, live music and storytelling were on offer and for the first time ever there was a free Pride bike ride. 

The weekend ends with MonGay Pride on Monday 12 August with live music, parties and special guests at venues across the town centre from 6pm to late. MonGay parties will be held at Harvey's Late Bar, the Old Dun Cow, and the Turks Head pub.

As a Darlington native, all I can say is, I have never been so proud of Darlo and well done to everyone involved!