A FESTIVAL of art and creativity is set to strengthen community ties of one Darlington neighbourhood.

The Play, Stay and Create event will host Red Hall residents of all ages and artistic abilities to take part in a range of arty workshops in an effort to capture memories from around the area.

The Red Hall Community Centre will be open to everyone between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, December 11, with musical instrument making and 3D crafts and paper-based animations.

Volunteers commissioned to co-produce the festival aim to promote a sense of community, health and wellbeing during the day, with funding and financial backing from Esmée Fairbairn, Groundwork North-East, Red Hall Community Centre, Creative Darlington and Darlington Borough Council.

Helix Arts’ Make Art Happen senior project manager, Cheryl Gavin, said: “I’m really proud they’ve come up with an arts offer with the community, where arts meet the great outdoors.

“All members of the Red Hall community can take part and everyone can get the chance to create their own piece of art, as well as contribute to community artwork too.”

A community ranger will also be on hand to help make bird feeders and talk about back garden wildlife.

Stephen Wiper, Creative Darlington manager, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support this project and hope it will inspire people to do more together in the future and strengthen the community ties.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/makearthappendarlington or email makearthappendton@gmail.com