A Christmas event in Darlington last week has been slammed by members of the public who found it “disappointing.”

WinterFest was held in South Park in Darlington last Saturday (November 26) and featured live music, stalls, and street-food from 3pm until 7:30pm.

While The Radio Pensacola Band entertained people with jazz songs, many people argued there were not enough stalls or activities for children.

Darlington residents took to social media to express their underwhelming experience at WinterFest, many using the community Facebook group, You Know You’re From Darlo When.

The Northern Echo: Crowd watches The Radio Pensacola Band Crowd watches The Radio Pensacola Band (Image: Paul Norris)

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Amy Smith posted: “Anyone else disappointed with ‘Winter Wonderland’. Spectacular performances? A few men playing trumpets a body shop stall and a few others.”

Megan Thompson said: “I think with it being the first year it wasn’t all that bad, my kids enjoyed it and it got us out of the house for a hour. Hopefully over the years it will expand and become more of an attraction.”

Stephanie Louise Clarke said: “Was a complete waste of time. Spent about 10mins there then came away. Expected a lot more stalls.”

Kelly Thubron said: “least is wasn't only us that thought it was shocking. Advertised as something great for all the family, nothing at all there for the kids. Must have been about 6 stalls there with hardly anything on them and a few lights scattered about half an hour walk for that.”

The Northern Echo:

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Paul Ma: “Have to agree I'm afraid, very disappointed.”

Charlie Ruth said: “I think good on them for giving it a go. It was a free event and got us out the house for a while this afternoon. Fingers crossed for bigger and better next year.”

Samantha Jane said: “We felt the same it was chaotic both around the stalls and to park. We left after about 10 mins.”

Stuart Price said: “To be fair, as soon as the planners advertised for more stalls in the same week it was going ahead you knew it wasn't good and they were struggling to fulfil what they'd promised.”

The Northern Echo contacted Groundwork North East & Cumbria for comment.

The Northern Echo: The Radio Pensacola Band entertained the crowdThe Radio Pensacola Band entertained the crowd (Image: Paul Norris)

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