VISITORS to Darlington could be forgiven for thinking they had stumbled upon a seaside resort now that the Market Square has been transformed into a seaside scene.

The popular Darlington By the Sea initiative started today (Thursday, July 23) with a host of holiday attractions including fairground rides and a large sandpit to recreate the best of seaside summer fun.

Traditional seafront entertainment will come in the form of Punch and Judy shows, while little ones can make their own adventures with Pirate Treasure Hunts on each Saturday.

Tomorrow (Friday, July 24) sees the return of the popular outdoor cinema screenings, which will also take place the following Friday, July 31, with family films Hero 6, The Spongebob Movie and Finding Nemo showing at 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm respectively.

Additional attractions running in the town centre over the next month also include the popular annual Tea Dance in the Market Square on August 12, followed by the summer markets from August 13 to 16.

The Darlington by the Sea attractions will remain in the Market Square until August 6 and have been organised by the town’s Business Improvement District company, Distinct Darlington, and supported by the borough council.