A Darlington community event was a huge success on Saturday (June 25) after hundreds turned out to enjoy entertainment from music, carnival rides and community stalls.
Darlington Community Carnival kicked off it’s successful day in Market Place where people could enjoy music from Solid Steel Band, dancing from Red Hall Dancers and singing from Darlington Children’s Choir.
By 11.30am the procession from the Carnival made their way to Stanhope Park where people could enjoy further entertainment from carnival rides to community stalls.
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The day was a huge success and by midday the park was heaving with many people basking in the community atmosphere and the hot, sunny weather.
Cira Quinn, a member of Voices of Darlington choir, said the event had been “really positive” and “really nice.”
She added: “We sing as part of a choir so it’s been nice to see so many people out almost by accident sort of cheering a long it’s been really nice.
“People have absolutely been enjoying themselves, all we’ve seen all day is people cheering and just getting involved wherever they can.”
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“I didn’t even know there was this much happening in the park, so it’s really nice to see, especially after Covid, everyone is back together again and it’s been really nice.”
Heather Carter, volunteer co-ordinator at Darlington for Culture, said it was “busier than it ever has been before.”
She continued to stress that more people had also turned up for the Carnival than ever before in the Carnival’s history.
She added: “All the charities seem to be doing well and sharing lots of their information, so yeah it seems very successful.
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“Once the procession from the Carnival came up here all of the families came a long too and it got a lot busier.
“Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, everyone seems very happy and it’s lovely.”
Despite some spitting and gusty winds, the day was also mostly a fine one, with many people sitting on the grass and soaking up the sun.
Ms Carter added: “We’ve only put the heavy leaflets out because it’s too windy, but it is a lovely day nevertheless and everything seems to have gone well so far.”
John Witham, manning the Holy Trinity Church stall, said the atmosphere was “terrific” and that people were “enjoying themselves” after Covid.
He added: “People are very much enjoying themselves, it’s terrific, terrific atmosphere it’s really, really good, everyone’s joyful.
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“The weather has been kind definitely, it’s been spitting a bit and there was a thunderstorm last night, but still it hasn’t dampened our spirits or the atmosphere.”
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