DARLINGTON FC will be kicking off the town’s celebrations to honour its team’s emphatic 7-1 victory over Whitby Town to secure championship silverware and that all-important promotion.

Hundreds of fans are expected to join the Quakers in Darlington’s Market Square during a celebratory evening that will see the Evo-Stick Premier League trophy raised by the championship-winning squad.

The promotion marks the club’s third promotion in four years – despite playing four seasons of home games at Bishop Auckland FC’s ground.

But the town centre celebrations on Friday evening (April 29) will be closer to home for many of the team’s loyal fans invited to share in Darlington’s success.

Darlington FC’s manager, Martin Gray, his squad, and the club’s management team, will leave from Blackwell Meadows in an open top bus at 6.15pm before arriving in the Market Square at 6.30pm.

The celebrations in the town centre will officially kick off at 6.15pm as 12-year-old singer, Olivia Kate Smith, takes to the stage before Darlington Mayor, Councillor Tom Nutt, and welcomes the club back to Darlington.

Darlington manager, Martin Gray, said: “It's a great honour for the club to be asked to bring the trophy to the Market Square, and to allow our supporters a close up view of it.

“We hope lots of people come along and that it's a great evening. Thanks to everyone who has organised it.”

Fans gathered in the square will have the opportunity to take pictures of the players and their prized trophy as STAR Radio breakfast presenter, Tim Lichfield, interviews the club on stage.

Tubwell Row’s westbound carriageway will be closed from 4pm until 8pm on Friday evening at its junctions with Churchrow and East Row.

East Row, Horsemarket and Bull Wynd will also be shut entirely during the event.

The celebrations, organised by Darlington Borough Council, are expected to end at around 7.30pm.

Darlington Borough Council leader, Councillor Bill Dixon, said: “Darlington Football Club have performed brilliantly over the past four seasons, as can be seen by their results.

“I’m pleased the town is to be given the chance to celebrate the team in style.”