MUSIC fans will have plenty to shout about this weekend with live performances returning to Darlington Arena for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
The arena is set to host two major events this weekend, with Olly Murs set to put on a show on Saturday, followed by music legend Tom Jones on Sunday.
And music lovers also have the chance to get their Covid vaccination, with a number of clinics being put on around town.
On Saturday, Troublemaker Murs will be joined by Katie Kittermaster and Sophie Ellis Bextor, whose kitchen dance fests proved an unexpected lockdown hit.
Sunday's concert will also feature Leeds-based Indie-folk band The Dunwells, along with Chris Simmons and Megan McKenna.
And for those without tickets, a free music festival is taking place in Darlington market square on both days, with a host of local acts.
The Mish Mash Festival, which is organised by Tracks, will this year take place over two days for the first time.
Saturday’s headliners will be Weekend Sun filling the market square with funky dance tunes.
The line-up includes Darlington artists ETHR playing indie pop and The Skapones who’ve hit the top of the UK Reggae charts twice with their ska and reggae tunes.
Also performing are Cortney Dixon, from South Shields, Moon Wax, Middlesbrough’s own RnB, 90s funk and house influenced six piece band, and local favourites Los Capitane.
On Sunday, the programme has been put on in conjunction with BIG Little Gigs, which has ran family music events in Darlington for five years. Headliners are K.O.G. and the Zongo Brigade.
It runs from 12pm-8pm on both days and also features dance workshops and musical crafts.
Meanwhile, there will also be five pop-up clinics running in the town, which are particularly aimed at 16 and 17-year-olds.
From Saturday to Monday, the walk-in clinics will be based in the town centre, near the Joseph Pease statue, from 10am until 2pm.
The council’s Covid vaccination bus will be at the Darlington Arena concerts on Saturday and Sunday, offering first and second doses of Pfizer to event attendees.
Penny Spring, Darlington's director of public health, said: “It’s likely the busiest weekend of the year so far across Darlington, with thousands of visitors expected both in the town centre and at the Darlington Arena.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the council to support the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme by offering daily pop-up clinics in the town centre, as well as our bus for those attending the concerts."
Tickets are still available for both arena shows.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here