Weekend events celebrate Newton Aycliffe's 75th Anniversary

Promising to bring back memories of the likes of Harding's toy shop and the annual carnival back to residents of the town, the event will feature live music, family entertainment and vintage cars and buses, coinciding with a new exhibition being displayed in the centre of the town.

Festivities are scheduled to kick-off from 11am this Saturday, September 7 in the town centre.

Amanda Donald, corporate and policy officer at Great Aycliffe Town Council, said: "Many people speak fondly of their childhood, playing among the building materials of the new town and remembering the excitement of the arrival of the first shops.

(Image: Durham County Council)

"Subsequent generations are also united in their happy memories of Harding’s, the carnival and Mr Whippy’s ice cream.

"It’s great to see those memories come to life in the exhibition for everyone to enjoy."

The family-oriented event shares the day with the unveiling of a new exhibition, 'Life in a New Town', bringing images from across the town's history to a central location.

(Image: Durham County Council)

Organised by Great Aycliffe Town Council, the display will showcase a collection of personal photographs, reliving life through the eyes of Newton Aycliffe residents over the course of the 75 years of the town's existence in black and white, sepia and colour.

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(Image: Durham County Council)

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "It is fantastic to see that so many people have come together over the last year to celebrate 75 years of the town.

"Although the celebrations are coming to an end, it feels more like a new beginning for the town as people reflect on the past and look ahead to their future as a community.

"Hopefully, the weekend’s events will cement that as we offer an opportunity for families, friends and neighbours to come together and experience a vibrant and bustling town centre."

The entertainment has been funded by the Durham County Council’s Towns and Villages programme and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aiming to attract a variety of visitors to the town.