The Dolphin Centre in Darlington is celebrating its 40th birthday this week.
An 80s-themed family fun day will be taking place this Saturday, to mark the official launch of the Dolphin Centre’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
The free event runs from 12.30-5.30pm on Saturday (July 30) in the Dolphin Centre and Market Square.
It will feature guest performances, live acts and the chance to try sporting activities including fencing, table tennis, basketball and badminton.
There will also be face-painting, balloon modelling and prize giveaways.
Read more: Pictures: Summer holidays kick off with return of Darlington by the Sea
The Dolphin Centre first opened its doors in 1982 and has been at the heart of Darlington town centre ever since.
Cyndi Hughes, Labour councillor for Park East, said: “I moved from NYC to Darlington in 1986. One of the first things I did when I arrived was to go to the Dolphin Centre to use the fitness equipment and pool. The facilities rivalled what I had been used to as a student in the Big Apple.
“As a family we’ve used the soft play area, pool, badminton courts, the old roller rink, the bowling ally and so much more.
“When I was elected to the council in 2003, we Park East councillors held our ward surgery in the soft play area to allow residents to come along with their children in tow. We called it, 'Politics and Play.' It went down really well in our ward which at that time had the highest number of single parent families in the borough.
“The Dolphin Centre is a much-loved leisure complex that has played a huge part in the lives of four generations of my family and families like mine across the borough. Long may this continue!”
Read more: Plans submitted for huge temporary solar farm on outskirts of Darlington
Councillor Kevin Nicholson, cabinet member for health and housing, said: “This free event marks the start of several months of celebrations of the Dolphin Centre at 40.
“The place will be looking its best, with suitably 80s-themed decorations and the team have got lots of entertainment lined up, with something for everyone.
“The October half term holidays will also be a focus for 40th anniversary celebrations, so look out for more information about that nearer the time.
“In the meantime, I’d encourage everyone to head down to the Dolphin Centre on Saturday to help start the celebrations in style!”
Do you use the Dolphin Centre often? Let us know by leaving a comment.
If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here.
Read next:
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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel